Elegbede Abiodun
• Those permitted on BRT lanes are emergency response vehicles.
The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) has threatened to arrest and prosecute military personnel, local council officials and others found on the corridor of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT).
LAMATA warned that no other vehicle than designated BRT buses and vehicles operating under franchises duly regulated by LAMATA, is allowed to use the dedicated lanes.
It added that only emergency response vehicles, such as fire trucks and ambulances, were exempted from the rule, when responding to emergencies.
Head, Corporate Communication of LAMATA, Kolawole Ojelabi, stated that there had been a growing and flagrant abuse of the BRT lane by unauthorised users, including some military personnel, para-military agencies, local council, and local council development area buses, as well as private vehicles.
“This trend is deeply concerning and undermines the efficiency, safety and purpose of the BRT system. The BRT lane was specifically designed to provide fast, reliable and safe mass transit for the commuting public. Unauthorised use not only disrupts scheduled operations but also endangers passengers and other road users; it contributes to traffic congestion and erodes the gains made in improving urban mobility across Lagos.
“LAMATA wishes to state unequivocally that the regulations guiding the use of the BRT lane remain in full force and will be strictly enforced. All offenders, regardless of status or affiliation, will be apprehended and prosecuted in accordance with the relevant traffic laws of Lagos. Penalties may include fines, impoundment of vehicles and other legal sanctions as prescribed by law.
“Cooperation from all stakeholders is essential to sustaining an efficient and world-class transport system for Lagos. The authority remains committed to ensuring order, safety and efficiency across the state’s transport network and will not hesitate to take decisive action against violators.”
