By Akinwale Kasali
Leading opposition political party in Lagos State, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has slammed Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo Olu over the Bus Rapid Transit, BRT, fare hike.
Governor Sanwo-olu announced the hike fare last week, citing the cost of diesel.
The hike will take effect from July 13.
Sanwo-Olu said the increase is necessary to cushion the effect of the harsh operating environment, safeguard private partnership investment, and forestall the demise of formalized bus operations in the state.
A bus ride from Ikorodu – TBS will now cost N600 as against the previous N500 charges, while Berger to Ajah is now N700, up from N600. Oshodi to Abule Egba will cost N450 from N350, and Abule-Egba-CMS-Obalende will attract a fare of N600.
The increase, according to the government, is aimed at ensuring the sustainability of the BRT and standard route schemes.
The Governor promised to support for the BRT operators in view of the continuous increase in diesel prices. This, he said, will ensure that the impact of the hike is reduced on the passengers.
The PDP, in a statement released on Sunday, and signed by the State Publicity Secretary, Hakeem Amode, said the increase would add to the sufferings of Lagosians.
The statement said the state government is only trying to worsen the plight of the masses.
Amode stressed that the APC administration is to blame for the hike in the pump price of diesel from N187 to N830 and the unavailability of spare parts, saying the increase is not justifiable.
He said: “Sanwo-Olu-led APC administration has completely abdicated its responsibility to the people of the state and turned a blind eye to their predicament.
“The few ‘luxuries’ that the people benefit from the state are being taken away.
“Now is not the time for any form of increment, as the people of the state have suffered enough under this unsympathetic government.”
Amode urged the state government to immediately shelve the hike, so as not to worsen the citizens’ conditions in the face of dilapidated infrastructure, insecurity and hunger.
