The Lagos State Government has officially ended its 50% discount on public transport fares, reverting to the old rates starting from November 6, 2023. The announcement was made by the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority in a statement on Saturday. The discount program had been implemented by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in August as a response to the removal of fuel subsidies. It aimed to provide economic relief for average Nigerian households.
The sudden removal of fuel subsidies had placed considerable economic pressure on citizens, leading some states to introduce relief packages. Lagos, in particular, had implemented a 50% rebate on various public transport services, including the Bus Rapid Transport, Standard routes, First and Last Mile, Rail, and Ferry services.
However, Governor Sanwo-Olu has decided to terminate the discount program, which had reportedly saved commuters 1.9 billion naira over eight weeks in transport costs. The reversion to pre-August 2, 2023, fare rates has stirred discussions among residents, as they adapt to the change in public transportation costs.
