BRT (Bus Rapid Transit)
http://www.lamata-ng.com/images/brt_pics_07.jpg
BRT means Bus Rapid Transit.

BRT is a transport option, which relies on the use of dedicated ‘interference’ free segregated lanes to guarantee fast and reliable bus travel. The BRT buses run on physically segregated lanes and thus make them run faster in a situation where there is traffic congestion.
It is one of the several options available for tackling the huge public transport predicaments of Lagos.

http://www.lamata-ng.com/images/brt_seg_lanes.jpg
BRT: Dedicated “interference’ free segregated lanes

Other options include the light rail, heavy rail, subway metro and traditional bus systems. The light and heavy rails as well as the subway metro systems are appropriate, but very expensive to construct and operate. The traditional bus service is highly patronized because it is flexible and inexpensive. But it has the problems of negative public image, air and noise pollution, slow speed and ramshackle state of the buses.

The Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) takes care of most of the problems of the other systems:

* It will reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality and meet the mobility needs, particularly of the less privileged and poor masses of the Lagos metropolis.

* It is a roadway-based system that looks and behaves like a subway, offering high capacity rapid transit services but on dedicated lanes or city streets.

First phase of the Lagos BRT to run from Mile 12 through Ikorodu Road and Funsho Williams Avenue up to CMS is scheduled to start operation by November 2007.

It is projected that the system will carry up to 10,000 passengers per direction per hour during peak travel hours.

The LAMATA BRT corridor is about 22 kilometres in length.

Two operators, NURTW Cooperative and LAGBUS, a Lagos State Government owned Asset Management Company are contributing about 180 high capacity buses for the implementation of the first phase Mile 12 to CMS BRT Lite system.

http://www.lamata-ng.com/images/brt_buses.jpg
LAMATA BRT Buses at the Ojota depot

In all, LAMATA has provided 26 bus shelters, along the entire stretch of the corridor and have resurfaced the service lanes where all yellow buses and other articulated and heavy-duty buses would be restricted.

http://www.lamata-ng.com/images/bus_shelter.jpg
LAMATA bus shelter at Ilupeju

LAMATA has in place a new set of regulations to guide the operations of the BRT.
The BRT would run 16 – hour operations running from 6.00 a.m to 10 p.m.
Fifteen monitoring officers would be in charge of daily operational activities on the corridor.
A private towing provider manages towing service on the corridor.
A modern bus depot with state-of-the-art facilities that can accommodate about 100 buses is situated at the Ojota axis of the corridor. There are three bus terminals along the corridor at Mile 12, Moshalashi and CMS. The CMS terminal is designed to integrate with other transport modes of rail and ferry which the Lagos State Government is soon to implement.
http://www.lamata-ng.com/images/bus_depot.jpg
The LAMATA bus depot at Ojota showing:
3 No 33,000litre underground Gas tank, 2 Nos. fuel dispensers, 2 nos. generating sets, Overhead water tanks with boreholes, State-of-the-art mechanic workshop

One of the components of the LAMATA BRT scheme is security and a strong factor in ensuring this, is the lighting up of the entire corridor on both sides to ensure safety of lives and property.
To ensure the reliability of the lights, LAMATA has provided 10 nos. 100KVA generators and transformers as alternative power supply to the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN).
In other to maximise cost of running the power system, LAMATA is considering a proposal for the installation of solar-powered streetlights along the corridor in the nearest future.


:nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts:

http://www.lamata-ng.com/images/brt_network.jpg

for more infor and slide show of progress visit http://www.lamata-ng.com/brt.htm

wow, i am impressed and yet not surprised. Out of all the existing governors, i have always held the belief the Fashola will be the best performing at the end of his term. He is so focused and dedicated to developing Lagos that it puts the current governors to shame. And i am not even from lagos. This is what governors should be doing, not spending their time dipoping their hands in the treasury.

Amazing, Le phillippe!:cheers:

http://www.lamata-ng.com/images/brt_network.jpg

Wow...This is not just in paper but in action. The Giant Is graually waking up from her slumber....nobody can stop us. GO Nigeria Go!

The bus system is long overdue... this the whole project is great and i love that it is a private enterprise... I'm not really jumping up-and-down at the idea of the bus system though...I think that it should have been done decades agos and not only lagos... ph, abuja, kano, ibadan, and every other major city in naija should have one; it aint rocket science... its the light rail and water-ferry that i'm really excited about... lets hope that fashola has the will to see all these projects through... I think fashola is going to the the Duke of the current dispensation... i love his ambition and energy... very dukish...

Is it true that in 2008 the football club Julius Berger will close ?
Is it possible that Lagos will have not a football team ?

They should call this something else but Lag Bus

Why? Lagbus sounds ok...

Why? Lagbus sounds ok...

ahoy to the new molue...:cheers::):)

The route outlined in black on the map should be an opportunity for Nigeria to rebuild the Third Mainland Bridge.

Yeah the Third Mainland Bridge must be reconstructed ASAP.

Deleted!!!

The website is more than a year since its last update

Its from another forum about the boom in Lagos:

Good Things Happening In Nigeria.
http://www.nairaland.com/nigeria/topic-52256.32.html

:)

probably copy and pasted from this forum..

the lagbus is a good start but its nothing compared to other mega cities. i dont think a bus system will get everyone around. needs to be more like san francisco or london they have very good transit systems that can take you a almost anywhere. what i did like about the future of lagos is a ferry. lagos could possibly use a ferry as mass transit. it could be the largest. and planning doesn't look difficult

I dont think that the buses or trains will reduce lagos traffic. New York has 2,027 bridges and tunnels overall in the New York City metro area. But during rush hour it still has some traffic. Just buses and trains won't remove the traffic. Lagos ''should'' (my mistake) have more bridges and roads. maybe a 4th,5th,9th mainland bridge by now. you cant remove traffic you could only reduce.
:banana::cucumber::pepper::carrot:

I dont think that the buses or trains will reduce lagos traffic. New York has 2,027 bridges and tunnels overall in the New York City metro area. But during rush hour it still has some traffic. Just buses and trains won't remove the traffic. Lagos has to make more bridges and roads. maybe a 4th,5th,9th mainland bridge. Remember you cant remove traffic you could only reduce.
:banana::cucumber::pepper::carrot:

No duh! nobody ever imagined that the traffic would be 'removed.' The new public transport initiative is not the 'cure', its a medicine, which at best would reduce traffic from the roads, enabling vital work to commece in the rehabilitation, upgrade and construction of brand new roads and highways.

^^^^What i am saying is that it is long over due. lagos should have had bridges,tunnels,and trains running through the metro before know. plus+ i said you cant remove traffic you can only reduce it.

The bus stations don`t look smart at all.

http://i317.photobucket.com/albums/mm391/billysboss2005/lagbus.jpg
A photo of LagBus station

Wow, the people really love it! Look at the queue to enter just one bus.

The bus stations don`t look smart at all.

http://i317.photobucket.com/albums/mm391/billysboss2005/lagbus.jpg
A photo of LagBus station

That looks like a bus stop to me

^^ to the untrained eye, it might not look so smart. But we also know where we are coming from.

Buses lining up, people orderly queuing up. It must be a new dawn...

Friendsofthecity, thats a bus stop

Thank you for the untrained eye!

Sammy, I was surprised to see line of buses that has a queue as the one on the photo in a bus-stop.

The blue pole near the bus shelter clearly states BUS STOP.

1) it must be hell standing in those lines.

2)how does it work, is it like a land train that has 5 buses following each other or are the buses just delayed becuase of traffic.

does the Brt have Bi-articulated buses? Are they in operation or have they not arrive yet?


Pictures ↓

Bi-articulated buses (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5f/3phileas2.jpg)

Photo from GAR3TH added link
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5f/3phileas2.jpg

It will help if the Lagos state government embark upon getting this type of bi-articulated buses.

Photo from GAR3TH added link
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5f/3phileas2.jpg

It will help if the Lagos state government embark upon getting this type of bi-articulated buses.

Oga, lets be realistic here. Such buses can't be implemeted here. We can't just copy all that is out there. This is a low-floor bus (which is so because disabled and old people with wheelchairs, walking sticks, etc were put into consideration. It is also so because the roads are generally level and smooth).
This is also an articulated bus because the city probably has wide roads and avenues and orderly drivers that won't turn driving this bus into a nightmare for the driver.

And going back to what Friendsofthecity mentioned earlier about the bus stop not being smart; i believe what he was looking at was the way the people have being forced to queue up in an awkward manner. Though they are queued (which is rather shocking for such an unruly city like Lagos), you can see that they have being forced to spill into the service lane. The flowers planted wasn't a well thought out idea. You dont need to plant fowers in area that could otherwise be used to accomodate people or in area that has heavy traffic. They could have used that space to put additional barriers in place that will make alot of people queue up in a undulating snake like form while still making use of a small space.
For me, this is one of the many problems with Nigeria- many grandiose and commendable projects but without the finer details that make them standout.

Lagos Commuting Nightmare and Quest for BRT Services


Lagos — The introduction of the BRT was a welcome development in Lagos. In fact, the BRT system is overdue in the state as a result of its over-bloating population coupled with deluge of visitors, who come to transact business or just on mere visit to their relations.

The BRT scheme promises a new lease of life for Lagos residents because it provides the stimulus to re-energise the state's economy by freeing the roads of traffic around the metropolis and thereby helping residents transit from one location to another in an appropriate and safe manner. The target of the scheme is to have a much more thriving city that Nigerians will be proud of, as Lagos assumes its 'mega city' status.

Indeed, transportation has always been a vital part of life in Lagos. It is so important that it has been a major issue; a source of headache and concern to many residents, because it affects the daily life of every resident of the Centre of Excellence. Basically, travelling by bus is the major form of transportation within the city of Lagos. A Nigeria's commercial capital, Lagos is also one of Africa's biggest cities with over 10 million inhabitants and it is famous for its traffic congestion and distinctive long yellow commercial buses.

The BRT idea was heralded with joy because of the havoc that has been wrecked by drivers of the long buses known as Molue, made up mainly of Mercedes Benz 911 brand often called 'the people's parliament'. It is called 'the people's parliament' because there is always a kind of political discussion on each trip, depending on any issue generating controversy in the polity.

Travelling on these buses can be a nightmare to even the strongest commuter, even though on the other hand, in spite of the hazards of the journey by molue, it is one of the places one can catch free fun. In fact, to most residents, a ride in molue could be adventurous.

Inside the molue, the number of people hanging or standing far exceeds the number of people sitting. Again, travelling in molue is a constant journey of stopping and starting, even as the seats are ever uncomfortable, the horns are constantly blaring and inside is usually hot and stuffy while nauseating odour reigns supreme in the bus. Molue drivers also exhibit aggression in their speed and have no respect for other road users, especially car owners travelling on the same road.

Though, molue fares are relatively cheaper compared to the charges by smaller buses known as 'danfo', they tend to increase their charges abnormally during petrol scarcity or any hint that hoodlums are causing riots in any part of the city. Also, when it rains, it is harvest time for molue drivers. The worst is when the conductors act on their impulse without any justification to increase fares. In this instance, bus conductors hang on the entrance to collect fares before commuters are let in.

Quite impatient on the wheel, conductors often use one hand to lift a running passenger into a moving molue, as the drivers neither make attempt to stop to pick or drop passengers.

Most of these molue buses cannot pass roadworthiness test. In fact, it is difficult to see a roadworthy molue in Lagos, as the bodyworks are battered, tyres are bald and wire-ridden and they emit plumes of thick and black smoke from sometimes dangling and noisy silencers.

The bus drivers seldom obey traffic rules and most passengers consider the buses as death traps but cannot avoid it because the fares are cheaper than the smaller and more comfortable buses. Because of the number of accidents involving molues, residents call them moving coffins.

According to an on air personality, molue is an interesting contraption, mostly locally assembled from cannibalised truck parts with the bright yellow colour always belying the dank darkness inside where sweating humanity swears, dreams, sleeps, fights, preaches and sells all forms of remedies for every form of infirmity.

However, it is a different experience for people who ride in BRT buses because every activity is coordinated. To board the bus, you must queue and it is necessary to purchase a ticket enroute your destination. There are designated areas to board the bus unlike molue, which can pick up passengers anywhere in the city.

Daily Independent spoke with commuters on their preference for the BRT or long yellow buses and many were of the opinion that molue should be banned whilst more BRT buses should be bought for the rapid transit scheme to permanently put the memories of molue in the dustbin of history.

A resident, Nkiru Udemba, said: "The BRT has the potential to tackle the traffic problems in Lagos. Molue drivers are terrible drivers. The way they drive is ruthless and hurry is the name of the game. Most drivers are careless and are impatient because the delays caused by the traffic jams usually reduce the number of trips they make and consequently, the money they make. They don't have an iota of sympathy for their lives or that of their passengers. Moreover, it is not uncommon to see some drivers of Molue buses reeking in the consumption local gin or mixture known as 'Paraga and Indian hemp' as early as 5am shouting and calling out for passengers. They are not coordinated because they pick their passengers on motion."

It is a common sight to see people on long queues waiting for the BRT buses because of the convenience and comfort it offers. There is no rush by passengers. A decent queue culture has been imbibed and this has helped to ward off pickpockets, who always have good time due to rushing during peak periods.

Speaking with Daily Independent on why he prefers to wait for BRT buses while going to and from work, a stockbroker, Tayo Adesokan, said: "Only fools will ignore BRT for long yellow buses. There are many things that distinguish BRT services from the yellow buses. One significant fact is that a passenger in BRT driven by a driver who cannot have taken a sip of 'Paraga' or local gin is safer and the buses are faster too."

Daily Independent also gathered that aside the inconveniences associated with molue rides like the buggy dance associated with each trip, petty thieves pick-pocketing the passengers and occasional fights or saucy conductors are also common while BRT buses are neat, passengers are not subjected to embarrassment and vulgar words that are common on the molue buses. The passengers, who commute on BRT buses, are not also subjected to unnecessary delays by bus stop touts called 'Agbero'.

BRT buses also enjoy patronage much more than expected because they charge fixed fares that are not subject to any arbitrary increases. BRT buses do not carry passengers beyond their capacities and nobody lurks by the door to pick anybody's pocket, which is exactly what Lagos needs to meet the 2015 projection as a mega city.

Therefore, government's substantial role will particularly be necessary in improving and enforcing the regulatory framework that ensures that more BRT buses are brought into Lagos to discourage the negative attitudes that have given urban transportation in Lagos a bad name.

allafrica.com (http://allafrica.com/stories/200901290513.html)

Public transportation is a nightmare in Lagos state from the look of things.

Photo from GAR3TH added link
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5f/3phileas2.jpg

It will help if the Lagos state government embark upon getting this type of bi-articulated buses.

Bendy buses as its been called here in London may be phased out in London for safety reasons. If London with better road network is looking to phase this out very soon, why should Lagos then employ their services. We should stick to what we've got because the people seem to like it

Bendy buses as its been called here in London may be phased out in London for safety reasons. If London with better road network is looking to phase this out very soon, why should Lagos then employ their services. We should stick to what we've got because the people seem to like it
They are meant to ply short distances. Or I would suggest the Lagos state to go for tram.

They are meant to ply short distances. Or I would suggest the Lagos state to go for tram.

We can proffer solutions and make suggestions but i wonder if anyone in government is listening!!! Cos they are the ones that make the decision in the end :ohno:

They are meant to ply short distances. Or I would suggest the Lagos state to go for tram.

I see your point. The govt could deploy trams within the inner and more densely populated and commercial areas of the city such as Surulere and VI cos trams don't have dedicated stations, have frequent stops and can share space with road traffic-this could be the ultimate killer to okada.While the other "light rail" with it's dedicated right-of-way could be deployed along the major higways where there will be need to carry more passsengers much faster and over long distnaces with fewer stops inbetween.
For me this is probably the best way to deal with Lagos traffic.

People, come to think of it. Whats going to power the light rail system considering the state of power supply in the country???????:bash:

gas most likely

gas most likelyI buy that idea from you too.

Does anybody have pics of the BRT stations and buses?Joburg's stations are very cool but we still havent seen the buses...which unnerves me.Secondly,did the introduction of BRT in Nigeria ruffle any feathers with other public transport providers?

lagbusonline.com (http://www.lagbusonline.com/routes.aspx)

Does anybody have pics of the BRT stations and buses?Joburg's stations are very cool but we still havent seen the buses...which unnerves me.Secondly,did the introduction of BRT in Nigeria ruffle any feathers with other public transport providers?
The truth is that it's not comprehensively done(most especially the stations - with their massive fencing) as you would see in places like RIO or Sao Palo maybe Jozi but it's very effective - there are always endless files of passenger waiting to take the buses in most photos I have seen on the internet. The city public transportation is very poor before the introduction of BRT. The major buses were the yellow ones called Molu and very in bad shape. I hope you can be able to get the picture clear now.

^^Thank you for responsing.So no emphasis was placed on sleek stations and such?Thats a bummer but its nice to hear that the people of Lagos now are getting decent transport.For me BRT in Joburg is not just about avoiding traffic but perving over the high tech stations,modern-looking buses etc.lagbusonline.comThanks for pointing that out but I'd checked the site out already and its been a while since its' last update.Arent there any Nigerian members on the ground that can take pics?

^^Thank you for responsing.So no emphasis was placed on sleek stations and such?Thats a bummer but its nice to hear that the people of Lagos now are getting decent transport.For me BRT in Joburg is not just about avoiding traffic but perving over the high tech stations,modern-looking buses etc.Thanks for pointing that out but I'd checked the site out already and its been a while since its' last update.Arent there any Nigerian members on the ground that can take pics?
The only person I can say is living in Nigeria that I know of here on Skyscrapercty is Joblessbeggar and I doubt if he's been taking photos lately.

Oboy...I live in Lagos!!! Not everyone is outside Nigeria in this forum.

Naija pls walk around with a digital camera and post pictures. Thanks

Naija, Naija Naija, Naija, Naija, Naija, Naija, Naija, Naija, Naija, Naija, Naija, Naija, Naija, Naija, Naija, Naija, Naija, Naija, Naija, Naija, Naija, Naija, ...Thanks for doing it..lol

Lol!! Lol!! Wish i had the time to do it. It would be very tasking on my part you know. I really don't like moving about in Lagos really.

Can you help with the LagBus photos, Naija? C'mon, getting the photos of the buses is not going to be such a huge task, you know.

Wow...all this project are a little sign that things will still change for good by the time we tackle the government wella.

BRT - One Year After Urban Transportation Relief


The Lagos Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) clocked one year on Tuesday. The scheme, which was an initiative of Governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu, was completed and launched by his predecessor, Babatunde Raji Fashola, on March 17, 2008 amidst pomp and funfair at Ojota along Ikorodu Road.

It took about 15 months to come to fruition.

The introduction of the novel transport system was borne out of the need to tame the seemingly intractable problem of traffic congestion in Lagos, a city with a population variously estimated at between 15 and 18 million people who are always on the move. However, its realisation and implementation did not come easy. To start with, a delegation comprising experts and stakeholders were dispatched to Latin America and Asian countries to understudy the working of their bus system.

On December 14, 2006, a steering committee earlier set up during the visit met in the boardroom of Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) to consider the concept of BRT that could be implemented within a short space of time. The outcome of that boardroom meeting gave birth to what is now known as BRT.

The scheme took off with 100 buses in 2008 on 22 kilometers corridor running from Mile 12 to CMS in the Lagos Island, three terminals, one bus depot/garage and 26 bus shelters (bus stops). There are two operators for the system---the LAGBUS (the Lagos State Owned Asset Management Company) and the NURTW Cooperatives. The former operate the red buses, which run express service, while the latter handles the blue ones that run on regular bus stop to bus stop service. However, unlike the normal commercial buses that have no specific operational hours, BRT buses begin work at 6.00 am and terminate their services by 10.00pm and each bus has passenger capacity of 46 sitting and 36 standing.

According to the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of LAMATA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, when the scheme started, it was planned to transport 60,000 passengers per day, but today that number has more than tripled, as the system carries an average of 200,000 passengers daily. Due to high demand, he said, additional 20 buses have been added to the route. And apart from reducing the travel time from Mile 12 to CMS to less than one hour and brought back the orderly culture of queuing at the bus stops, Mobereola maintained that the scheme has been able to create both direct and indirect employment for about 5, 5000 people who are engaged as pilots (drivers), bus officers (conductors) inspectors, mechanics and ticket sellers, among others.

So far, within one year of its existence, the BRT buses have transported more than 52 million passengers, a development that Fashola said has given an assurance that the initiative has come to stay. Passengers' demographics also lends credence to this belief, as it reflects a mix of high-ranking workers, including management and professionals.

In fact, the Mile 12- CMS BRT Lite, according to the governor, is now adjudged to be one of the largest bus systems in the world in term of passengers' number.

"Its patronage is comparable to many of the individual BRT lines in Curitiba, Brazil, and approaching that of Metrobusin Quito, Equador," said the governor during a stakeholders meeting to commemorate the first year anniversary of the scheme held at LTV 8 Ground, Ikeja.

Fashola added that the success of the system had generated widespread interest from other cities in country, such as Port Harcourt, Ibadan, Calabar, Benin and Kano as well as other ones outside the Nigerian shores who have visited and reviewed the system. Among the countries are Japan, which visited to review its transport system, and Ghana that raised 33-man delegation to understudy the scheme.

The scheme indeed seems to have come a long way and to stay as well. Even passengers are not pretending about it as they expressed their minds.

Mr. Biodun Efunuga, who said he has been an ardent patron of the BRT since its inception, hailed the service, especially for the fact that it is faster because of its dedicated lane. "It is a relief to everybody, even those having cars. They can now easily leave their cars at home and board BRT," he said. He however frowned at the recent 100 per cent increase in the fares within the green and red zones, which makes commuting from a place like Ojota to Fadeyi to now cost N100 instead of the previous N50.

Sharing same sentiment, Babatunde Sodipo, another patron, maintained that as a result of the BRT service, he has redefined the pattern of his movement from the Mainland to the Island, as he always targets the buses. According to him, apart from the comfort it offers, it is also secured compared to the 'yellow' buses otherwise known as 'Danfo' or 'Molue'.

Another passenger, who bared his mind on the transport system, is Kingsley Anete. To him, the system is quite befitting a state like Lagos that is heading towards a mega city status, but he is not happy that it is getting slow to spread across the state.

"It is one of the best things that have happened in this country, but the government should hasten the expansion of the service to other parts of the state where people are seriously yearning for it, such as Oshodi to Mile 2," he counselled.

In a way, this wish might not be long to be realised, as the governor said during the meeting that he had already directed that the current BRT be extended to several other parts of the state.

"I have directed that the current BRT routes be extended through Yaba, Oyingbo and Iddo to terminate at CMS. Other routes being considered include a service that will link Oshodi to Mile2, Apapa and CMS. Plans are also underway to extend services to other parts of the city," he governor had said during the commemoration.

Though the BRT services may not have reached all parts of the state, there is no gainsaying that the scheme has indeed brought significant relief to many Lagos residents, especially those plying CMS-Ikorodu Road, but its greatest shortcoming remains the somewhat recklessness of some of the pilots, who seem to give no qualm about the lives of other road users.

allafrica.com (http://allafrica.com/stories/200903190423.html)

Lagos to commence new BRT, rail routes in September

Lagos State Government on Tuesday said it had concluded arrangements with Julius Berger Nigeria Plc to commence the construction of the first phase of the proposed Bus Rapid Transit scheme on Lagos – Badagry Expressway.

The state Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, said this in Lagos at a stakeholders’ meeting organised by the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority.

The event was part of activities to commemorate the first year of BRT scheme from Mile 2 to CMS.

Fashola also disclosed that the construction of two rail routes on Alagbado/Okokomaiko axis would commence in September.

The governor identified sustainability and the expansion of BRT lite across the state as the challenges facing the scheme.

Fashola added that contract had been awarded for the construction of two rail routes.

The first route includes Okokomaiko to CMS, which is the blue line, and Iddo to Agbado Ijaiye, which is the red line.

According to him, the State Executive Council had concluded work on the tender for the project and had received bids from concessionaires.

He added that construction would start in September.

Fashola, while describing the first year of BRT lite in the state as a success, expressed his administration’s commitment to making transportation easier for motorists, commuters and the all road users.

He also disclosed that the Pilot Bus Franchise scheme on Iyana-Ipaja/Igando/Ikotun corridor will commence operation soon.

punchng.com (http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art200903183194018)

Lagos to commence new BRT, rail routes in September



punchng.com (http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art200903183194018)
I am so glad about the expansion plan that will commense soon. I would be very glad if the mentainance of the vehicles are taken with utmost priority. Buying BRT buses is one thing and mentaining them is another.

That summarises it all, Friendsofthecity: Maintenance!!!!!!!!!
Let's not forget that past governments have launched such schemes in the past but where are they now???? :ohno:

I read somewhere in the forum that the state government is adding some air-conditioned flight of buses to LAGBUS.

^^Theres picture evidence to this if you wannt to see

I have seen it, Sammy77. The buses are pretty smart for the region.

Pics please!

Pics please!

http://www.tundefashola.org/archives/photos/2009/03/26/20090326L03.jpg

Thanks Jobless!

I'm sorry but I think those buses are pretty fug.Joburg and Lagos are supposed to be leading African metropoles but they somehow both produced average,circa 90s looking buses.
http://i43.tinypic.com/ncxxu0.jpg
This one is not as bad though.
http://i39.tinypic.com/30w4903.jpg
BRT Introduction Successful, Says Fashola
04.04.2009

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Lagos

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN) has described the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system launched a little over a year ago by his administration as a huge success.
Fashola, who spoke while making a presentation on the “Transformational lmpact of Transport Projects in Lagos” at a three-day World Bank Transport Forum with the theme “Transport: Invisible Force-Visible Impact” in Washington DC, USA, described transportation as the cornerstone of modern civilization adding that the quality of life of the people is dependent on the quality and efficiency of transportation available.
The governor, who described the BRT as the first segregated Bus Route in sub-Saharan Africa , said the scheme which, according to him, has highlighted the advantages of Public Private Partnership in Mass Transit Public Transportation, has impacted positively on the live of the average Lagosian.
Such impacts, he said include creation of 12000 direct and indirect jobs , and the fact that it has brought about significant lifestyle changes such as park and ride and the orderly movement of 52 million passengers in one year.
Others include time management for commuters and better family life as well as environmental benefits through reduced noise and air pollution and health benefit through reduced respiratory diseases.
Accompanying his illustration with visual clips of the changes brought by the introduction of the BRT, Fashola declared: “Our efforts thus far have been well received by Lagosians who have responded by expressing satisfaction when polled.”and regularly offer unsolicited words of satisfaction and encouragement to government”.
Buttressing his assertion, the Governor quoted a response from a respondent on the BRT initiative thus: “I have to make special mention of the BRT project – I am always pleased to tell anyone that would listen that in my 39 years, this is the first policy project that I have experienced from any government in any era of country’s history to give the poor man advantage which the rich do not enjoy. Today Lagosians who used to take four buses in perilous condition over three and half hours to get from Ikorodu to CMS between 4.30am and 8.00am now leave Ikorodu at 6.30am and arrive at work before 8.00am… A reading culture is being enhanced by the BRT phenomenon alone. The orderly queues have also proven that when any people (Nigerians also) are given value for money they will maintain requisite order and decorum”.
Fashola also quoted some text messages to him from numerous Lagos residents who expressed joy and satisfaction at not only the BRT initiative but the various people oriented projects, especially as it concern transportation.
Fashola said government has concluded plans to expand the BRT route to extend to Yaba-Oyingbo which covers eight kilometers and from Eric Moore in Surulere to Badagry Expressway which covers 60 kilometres.
Reviewing the changes in Lagos since the seventies, Fashola asserted that the state, which between this period moved from being the capital to the commercial powerhouse of Nigeria is contributing 32 percent of the country’s GDP, 60 percent of her value added manufacturing and 50 per cent of her port revenue.
He said within the same period, the state’s population increased by 300 percent to 18 million with the population expected to reach 25 million by 2015 when the city becomes the world’s largest mega city after Tokyo, Japan and Mumbai in India.
The governor, noted that that his administration was not resting on its oars as it had made significant progress in its Water Transportation and lntra City Rail Initiatives which represent the other phases of the Lagos Multi-Modal Transportation Vision of which the BRT is an integral part.
Fashola said the jetties at Ipakodo in Badore and Osborne which Terminal buildings are currently being constructed would have the capacity to cater for up to 10,000 passengers per hour with berthing facilities for four 250 passenger capacity vessels.
According to him, rehabilitation work is progressing, on existing jetties at Mile 2, Oworonsoki, Ajegunle, Marina, Ebute-Ero etc, while dredging of Inland Waterways is also on-going to facilitate navigation.
Other far reaching steps taken include the establishment of Lagos State Inland Waterways Authority as a regulatory authority and issuance of concession to Ferry Operators, adding that this mode of transportation would impact on the people in the area of job creation through dredging companies, Boat operators, Life Guards, Vendors as well as merchants at Terminals while also lifestyles are expected to change.
Fashola said plans are at an advanced stage for the implementation of two urban rail metro lines System-Blue and Red Metro lines – with the expected capacity of 13 stations each and 1.6 million passengers per day, adding that scheduled work is to start in the next few months while operations are planned to commence in 2011.
The governor also spoke on the impact of his administration’s intervention in Oshodi which for many years had constituted a dent on the state and nation’s image because the Agege Motor Road , a major access route from the Murtala Mohammed Airport was converted into an illegal market.
According to him, the intervention through removal of the illegal market and securing the environment saved the State Government nearly N17billion ($120m) which would otherwise have been expended on alternative road bypass infrastructure, adding that it has also resulted in 300 percent increase in traffic flow along the corridor as well as reduced congestion along parallel corridors because of the choice it now gives to commuters.
Other benefits according to the governor include reduction in waste generation, 40 percent reduction in carbon emitted by vehicles, manifest evidence of crime reduction as well as large public buy-in and call for similar action in other parts of the State. On road construction, the Governor said massive upgrade and expansion of existing road networks are going on to improve vehicular and pedestrian carriage capacity as well as construction of link bridges to facilitate inter-connectivity, change of road design across the state to improve quality and deliver lifestyle changes and maximizing capacity of existing road infrastructure to reduce congestion and improve vehicular flow.
Citing opening of street gates and removal and resettlement of street traders as well as engagement of the private sector in road development as some of the strategies employed by his administration to manage traffic in the state, Fashola declared: “We operate Transportation in a most challenging terrain that has suffered from decades of infrastructure deficit while we are racing to abridge deficit of public transportation infrastructure, through the development of a contemporary multi-modal transportation network and the development of technology, we are keeping road traffic flowing through mainly manual method” .
“Our success underscores the fact that we have some lessons and enormous experiences to share about our traffic management strategies and capacities” the Governor said expressing gratitude to the World Bank for its technical and financial support to the Lagos State Government especially through LAMATA.
Fashola made the presentation alongside the Secretary of Transport of Mexico City, Navarro Benitez and former Secretary of State of Curitiba in Brazil, Eduardo Gulma Maraes all of whom ,according to the Sector Manager, Urban Development at the World Bank, Abha Joshi-Ghani were invited as a result of the vision with which they had positively transformed their societies.

Maybe, it cost that`s the issue here that made the Lagbus operator to go for these kind of smartly looking buses and, considering hooliganism one is quickly to conclude that effect from more sophisticated buses would be higher.That the citizens reaction during riot or lost in matches toward attacking government properties would come to mind when shopping for some of the best buses in the world. Am not saying here that Nigerians can not refrain from destroying sophisticated buses during bad times but something like that must have come to mind while purchasing those red buses.

The point of public transportation is to get people from point A to point B. No one really cares about looks. look at NYC buses and trains, most were made in the 90's but who's complaining.


http://www.freefoto.com/images/1210/08/1210_08_1---New-York-Transit-Bus--New-York-City_web.jpg

Nobody said here that anybody is complaining!We have made clear how smart they are for the region. Indeed, I would, is there anything wrong if Nigeria has the best looking or the most effective public transportation in Africa? we are saying that Nigeria can always do things to what we think it is capable to do. If tiny Dubai can why can`t Nigeria with enormous natural resources.

I am not trying to piss anybody off regarding projects in Nigeria.But, Nigerians or government have to see beyong this kind of development if the country really wants a better position in Afriaca as well as in the whole wide world. They can only do this if they see beyond this kind of limits..

I was responding to THE E.N.D. Statement.

I'm sorry but I think those buses are pretty fug.Joburg and Lagos are supposed to be leading African metropoles but they somehow both produced average,circa 90s looking buses.

Cost is an issue.

Better to have 185 decent red buses than 100 state of the art buses, at least for now. The priority at the moment is to deploy as many brt buses as possible - also keep in mind these buses are air conditioned (some of the first gen brt were not) and are already a huge improvement over the molue and danfo buses.

I read somewhere that the drivers are on an indefinite strike. >(

Why are they on strike?

^^

Commuters Stranded in Lagos as Lagbus Drivers Begin Strike
8 April 2009

Lagos -- Thousands of commuters in Lagos were on Tuesday stranded, as drivers of LAGBUSES began an indefinite strike.

Correspondents report that the drivers embarked on the strike to press home their demand for better conditions of service. The drivers are demanding a day off duty on alternate days and enhanced pay. Lagos State Government had in March 2007, introduced the LAGBUS which now has 535 buses on its fleet to complement its BRT scheme.

As early as 7am, the strike action became noticeable as the commuters who had gathered at the bus stops waited endlessly for the buses. A check showed that most of the buses were parked at the LAGBUS terminals at Ojodu and Ikosi. The placard-carrying workers accused the management of being insensitive to their plight. Some of the placards read: "10 persons have died; no medical care", "The MD must go".

Speaking with newsmen, a spokesman for the drivers, Mr Steven Joseph said that the strike was to correct the "anomalies in their conditions of service". He alleged that they were being under paid by the management, contrary to the total emolument agreed upon at the inception of the scheme. "When the LAGBUS was introduced by former Governor Bola Tinubu, the salaries of drivers and bus officers were put at N80, 000 and N60, 000 per annum respectively.

"Our working hours were also increased from eight hours per day to work two days consecutively before taking a day off," Joseph said. He said that the current work schedule was taking its toll on their health. "We work from morning till late night everyday of the week without rest. "It is affecting our health and it could endanger the lives of the passengers as a tired driver could doze off on the wheel," stressed the driver's spokesman. But the Managing Director of LAGBUS, Mr Tunde Disu said that the one day on, one day off policy, was to take effect from May 1.

Daily Trust (http://allafrica.com/stories/200904080042.html)

^^

Commuters Stranded in Lagos as Lagbus Drivers Begin Strike
I think the drivers have gone back to work.

The Punch, Friday April 10, 2009
LAGBUS drivers bemoan working conditions, ground scheme

Less than 48 hours after BRT drivers embarked on a strike over welfare package, they agreed to return to work after reaching a truce with the management, SIMON UTEBOR reports

WHEN the Bus Rapid Transit was inaugurated in Lagos about a year ago, many Lagosians were happy that at least, one dividend of democracy had been made real.

However, others warned that it was too early to applaud the scheme.

It may well be so as the events which unfolded recently seemed to lend credence to their scepticism.

Our correspondent gathered that on Monday, many drivers handling the BRT buses, especially the red ones, operated by LAGBUS, protested against poor working conditions at Ojodu-Berger and some parts of the state.

For two days, the buses were off the road and passengers were stranded.

Other commuter bus drivers cashed in on the situation to inflate fares.

One of them who craved anonymity, complained of being overworked, yet poorly paid.

He stressed that he was usually broke before middle of the month.

Another driver alleged that his official bus had not been repaired for some time.

According to him, “For more than a year, this vehicle I am driving has not been repaired. Sometimes, I encounter problems while working, but nobody cares.

Even when you complain, nothing gets done.” Another driver, who identified himself simply as James, said it was not long since he joined LAGBUS, but he had heard of poor salaries being paid his colleagues.

He claimed that he had not received his letter of appointment.

He also said, “Our colleagues working with the other operator, LAMATA, were working one-day-on and oneday-off, as against our own which is two days on and one day off.” He said the complaint was as a result of the time of their operations. He claimed they resumed at 6am and closed about 10pm.

He urged the company to consider their long time of work into their off days so that they could operate like their colleagues at LAMATA.

Speaking on the protest and threat of strike by drivers of BRT buses in an interview in Lagos on Monday, the Executive Director, LAGBUS Assets Management Limited, Mr. Yemi Odubela, said that as at Sunday, the management had been holding a series of meetings with the drivers.

He said the aim of the roundtable was to thrash some of the issues concerning poor remuneration.

Odubela, who said the management had been doing its best on the conditions of service, however, maintained that demand for more enhanced welfare packages could not be ruled out in an organisation.

He said, “Demands are always there. About a month ago, we carried out review in our fares dictated by operational costs, and each operational cost warranted increase in fares.

“Obviously, we are expected to make sure that our fares reflect what is considered reasonable to the extent that we should be able to make even, not to sustain any losses.

“And if they think that should also amount to increase in their own salaries, well, I will not blame them to think that way.” However, Odubela said that the drivers’ position should not be one-sided, stressing that there was a need for dialogue to resolve the issue amicably.

According to him, “We need to put our cards on the table; put the figures on the table, it is not a matter of hideand-seek. Let them know what we are making, and if at the end of the day, there should be an increase in their take home, we will never hesitate to do that.

“But as for poor welfare, I will say it is not true. Please note that we are just about 26 months in operations and about 70 per cent of them joined us less than one year ago.

“Though they don’t need to spend ages before they can get their entitlements, at the same time, entitlements; should come along with all other things being equal.” The executive director dismissed the allegation that his organisation engaged in erratic charges.

He said those spreading such rumours were simply ignorant of what they were doing, stressing that they had always been creating awareness if there was need to increase their fares.

He said they usually did that by sending fliers to all stations to give to their passengers as well as engaging the media in that respect.

He said before they came out with new fare increase about a month ago, they spent two weeks to sensitise the public.

Odubela said that the organisation prided itself with comfort, safety and security, and that gave them edge over any other mode of transportation.

He urged the drivers to sheathe their swords, saying that the issue of welfare could not be exhausted one day.

He said, “Whatever their grouse, we will deliberate, negotiate and dialogue.

Whatever it is, we want them to be happy. Whenever they are happy, they will perform their services better, and when they do so, the people will be happier for it.” He also said that currently, no driver under LAGBUS earned less than N35,000 per month.

The issue of poor welfare and remuneration are just one side of the coin, as many passengers, who hitherto had applauded the scheme, had changed their minds.

A passenger, Femi Darlington, said that BRT buses were more expensive than other commercial buses.

He said he was amazed that from Oshodi to Iyana Ipaja, BRT buses collected N100 from him, whereas commercial buses were charging between N50 and N80.

But others said the BRT/ LAGBUS vehicles were luxurious and comfortable and could not be compared with the rickety private buses.

He urged the Fashola administration to call the operators to order so that its good gesture would not be rubbished.

Over 500 large capacity buses, some air-conditioned, have so far been injected into the system.

Although there are claims of higher fares on a number of routes operated by the buses, the introduction of BRT has generally stabilised fares charged by other commuter bus operators.

The coming of airconditioned buses has also attracted corporate workers to board the buses, thus helping to decongest the road.

With the BRT buses as a viable option for commuters, rickety commercial buses are gradually disappearing from Lagos roads.

Meanwhile, Odubela on Thursday in a telephone interview with our correspondent said the strike had been called off.

He disclosed that the drivers’ request for one-dayon and a day off had been granted with effect from May 1.

How are will sure something like this will not happen again?

Sigh of relief for commuters over strike suspension

http://i44.tinypic.com/21bsx05.jpg

Olalekan Ogunmade, a banker, was queried at the office on Monday for coming late to work. He said it was due to strike action of Monday, April 6 embarked on by drivers and bus assistants of LAGBUS asset management limited, a Lagos state metropolitan bus service, which plies Lagos and its suburbs.

"I came out early as usual at the bus stop to board the bus to work but waited for almost an hour before we were told of their strike. I had no option than to take a smaller bus to work but was late due to the time wasted at the LAGBUS bus stop and was issued a memo," he said.

He is , however, happy that the strike has been called off and commended the understanding of the angry drivers and the management of the company for resolving the issues on time.

"I am very happy that LAGBUS management and their staff were able to resolve their problem promptly. Today, I was very happy to see them operating and I actually got to work early as usual. Thank God things are now normal," Mr. Ogunmade said.

Juliet Rotimi, a teacher, said she is very happy to know that the strike has been called off and recounted her experience during the strike action.

"It wasn't funny at all, knowing that I had to go back to what I thought was over, since the advent of the LAGBUS bus service. Once more, I had to struggle to board a bus and was also made to squeeze myself in those smaller buses, an experience I ceased having since LAGBUS came into existence."

"Those touts and bus drivers had to capitalise on the strike to increase their fare, leaving us with no choice than to spend more, when my small salary is not even enough for my needs. I am really relieved now that the strike has been suspended," she stated.

She also prayed to the management of LAGBUS to put the welfare of its drivers and their assistance into serious consideration as they are the live-wire of the organisation.

Another commuter, Munet Abu, an employee of one of the cleaning service companies on the Island, said she almost trekked home on Monday, considering her budget, but for the help of a good Samaritan, who paid for her return fare.

"I get amount wey I dey spend per day, so when they charge us N200 from Ojodu-Berger to Obalende that morning and N250 back to Ojodu-Berger, my money no come reach me go house. I try borrow from my mates for office but dem no get, if not for one man wey pay for me where I dey beg the conductor, I for trek go house that day because I no carry plenty money comot from house," she said in Pidgin English.

"But thank God, say dem don call off the strike, If not, to go work for hard after now. I thank them, and I pray make them no owe them again make this strike no repeat again oh," she prayed.

LAGBUS officials react

According to the company's head of operation David Oboturi, the problem has been resolved and everything has gone back to normal.

"The matter has been treated by the management and everything is now in order. Though we regret any inconvenience it might have caused our passengers, we promise this kind of thing will not happen again," he stated.

On the cause of the strike action, Mr. Oboturi said that the members of staff were demanding better working conditions and were not protesting non-payment of salary as it was speculated by members of the public.

"LAGBUS don't owe its staff salary as we always pay as at when due. What they were demanding for was a better working condition and that management had looked into and promised to improve on their welfare," he added.

234next.com (http://www.234next.com/csp/cms/sites/Next/News/Metro/5399385-147/Sigh_of_relief_for_commuters_over.csp)

Glad the strike's over.

If I was driving those fug buses,I'd strike too!Kidding.By the way,these buses look terribly tiny and considering the sheer number of Lagosians,I'd think articulated buses would be needed.

The E.N.D, I quite share your view on that. Lagos is a large city that needs something of its size.

Architectural infrastructure, interchange, stations and stops designed by Elsie Owusu Architects Ltd with Feilden and Mawson LLP in Nigeria for the World Bank.

http://i44.tinypic.com/nly93c.jpg

http://i44.tinypic.com/e83n8x.jpg

http://i40.tinypic.com/116pena.jpg

http://i43.tinypic.com/301hxfm.jpg

http://i41.tinypic.com/a9uznm.jpg

Love it! :applause:

There's need to clear the buildings on the right-hand side of this
http://i44.tinypic.com/nly93c.jpg

or replace them

or replace themIt's would be better to do so.

Many of the previous posts in this thread have been deleted. Does anyone know why?

Many of the previous posts in this thread have been deleted. Does anyone know why?

^^I moved it to the Discussion Forum, Click here Transport (Discussions) Thread (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?p=40723682#post40723682)

:banana:LAGOS- The Lagos State Government has unfolded plans to boost the existing fleet of Bus Franchise Scheme, BFS, operator of LAGBUS Asset Management Limited with the introduction of 10,000 new buses and taxis to be distributed across the 20 local government areas and 37 local council development areas in the state in the next two years.

Meanwhile, plans to commence BFS operation on Oshodi-Apapa Expressway has been approved and soon, LAGBUS fleet would ply the road.

The state Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Kayode Opeifa, who addressed a meeting with the LAGBUS management team led by its Managing Director, Mr. Tunde Disu, in his office, said the measure was to ensure sanity, discipline in public transportation and reduce man-hour loss to traffic gridlock often caused by untoward attitude of commercial drivers on the roads.

He explained that the state government had prepared a master plan to enhance the scheme through upgrading of road infrastructure for the smooth operation of the scheme.

Opeifa, who noted that the present fleet of commercial buses was inadequate for the increasing population of Lagos residents, added that massive upgrading of roads such as building of laybacks, bus stops, terminuses among others, would soon be embarked on.


Link below http://odili.net/news/source/2011/aug/19/331.html

so many buildings are weak in Lagos. they need to be brought down & reconstruct it. i was in Lagos last month & i was not impressed @all. the brt's r becoming molue. no aircon, inside r dirty, the body pannel r being dealt wiv by other vehicles. most of the building are falling down e.g. the building in John str. Idumota. bring most of this building down, compensate da ppl & reconstruct them

The Badagry Expressway is being expanded to ten lanes and the median of the reconstructed route will include a light rail line and a Bus Rapid Transit line.