While a specific timeline for the deployment was not provided, Akinajo emphasized that this initiative forms a crucial component of a broader strategy aimed at enhancing the efficiency and reach of the state's regulated mass transit network.
"When we’re looking at BRT routes, obviously it’s about increasing the number of rolling stock we have, and begin to look at the possibility of articulated rolling stock for the BRT routes because if they’re dedicated, then yes, we can utilize that," Akinajo explained.
Articulated buses, characterized by their increased length and flexible midsection, offer a significantly higher passenger capacity compared to standard buses. Their deployment on the existing dedicated BRT lanes promises to alleviate overcrowding and improve the overall commuting experience for Lagos residents.
Akinajo highlighted that this move directly supports the Lagos State Government's overarching objective of reducing the heavy reliance on informal minibus operators, commonly known as "danfos," by strategically expanding the state's high-capacity, regulated public transport services.
Currently, over 90% of daily transportation in Lagos occurs on roads, with danfos accounting for an estimated 75% of all passenger movements. Akinajo pointed out the sheer scale of the informal sector, with over 75,000 minibuses currently operating within the city.
To address this dominance, the Lagos State Government is pursuing a long-term transition strategy, as outlined in the Strategic Transport Master Plan (STMP), which envisions replacing these informal vehicles with 15,000 high-capacity buses.
The comprehensive STMP also encompasses the development of six rail lines, 14 BRT corridors, and more than 20 waterway routes. Significant progress has already been made with the operationalization of the first phases of the Blue and Red Line rail projects, with ongoing construction on their subsequent sections.
Akinajo stressed the importance of integrating existing informal operators into this evolving transportation ecosystem. She suggested that some operators could be retrained and absorbed into regulated first-and-last-mile services, contingent upon adherence to stricter operational standards, including e-ticketing and vehicle tracking systems.
Furthermore, LAMATA is actively pursuing initiatives to minimize the environmental impact of public transport. These efforts include the introduction of cleaner fuel alternatives, such as compressed natural gas (CNG), and exploring innovative waste-to-energy solutions.
The agency has also commenced the implementation of an Intelligent Transport System (ITS) designed to optimize bus scheduling, enhance real-time monitoring capabilities, and ultimately improve overall service delivery. To facilitate seamless transfers between different modes of transport, Akinajo revealed that new interchanges are currently under construction, connecting buses, ferries, and rail lines.
Providing an update on the Lagos Blue Line, Akinajo assured commuters that service frequency would soon improve, with trains expected to operate every 10 minutes during peak hours, further enhancing the efficiency of the burgeoning rail network.