The Executive Governor of the State of Lagos, Mr Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, on Tuesday yesterday 11th August 2020 commissioned the Oshodi/Abule-Egba Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) System. The system includes a 13.68 kilometers BRT Highway. The system aims to provide seamless commuter experience to at least 60,000 residents of Abule-Egba, Ijaiye, Ipaja, Àlímòsó, Egbeda, from and to Oshodi. Also, 550 high and medium capacity buses will be deployed to the corridor and e-ticketing will be fully practised. Prior to the commissioning of this corridor, it takes an average of two hours from Oshodi to Ijaiye/Abule-Egba during peak hours, so, the system will reduce that travel time to thirty (30) minutes.

The governor, speaking yesterday, said that the State Government was committed to redeeming every of his campaign promises before he was elected into office, and among the promises was the improvement of travel time within Lagos State.

It should be of note that most times, it takes longer time to travel from Ikotun to Berger within Lagos, than it may take from Mowe on the border with Ogun State, to the city of Ibadan, Oyo State. The problem of congested roads has bedeviled Lagos State for a long time now despite the availability of BRT to several axis of the State. It showed that more BRT Highway Systems are required, while the rapid train systems are being built.

Mr Sanwo-Olu said, “During the electioneering campaign and on assumption of office, we made public transportation a priority and promised Lagosians an improvement in travel time.

“Earlier in the year, we inspected the construction site of the 13.68 km Oshodi-Abule Egba BRT Highway.

“Today, I formally flagged-off the Oshodi–Abule Egba BRT corridor for public use.

“This route is very significant because it will cater to 60,000 commuters daily and will cut down travel time from two hours during peak periods to about 30 minutes.

“The corridor is a major link for residents who commute in and out of Alimosho, Egbeda, Ijaiye, Iyana Ipaja and Oshodi.

“We are also deploying 550 high and medium capacity buses to create more access for commuters.

“Our reform efforts are geared towards birthing a new commuting order in the state through seamless travel that will result in a congestion-free state.

“To integrate all transport modes on a single smart payment ecosystem, we launched an upgraded e-ticketing platform that would automate fare payment and create smart mobility through a cashless pre-paid card. The card will enable passengers proceed to the loading bay and scan the card for fare deduction. We will be distributing the first 100,000 Cowry cards free of charge.

“We are passionate about easing the movement of the citizenry around the state which is why we would not stop at ensuring that we give you a transportation system that works for you. We will continue to sustain investments in an integrated public transportation system.”