The Lagos State Government has reintroduced a 25% fare discount across all regulated transportation services, including buses, ferries, and trains. This initiative, which is part of the broader “Eko Cares” program, was officially announced via the state government’s X (formerly Twitter) account on Saturday.
The decision to reinstate the fare reduction comes just two months after the previous discount ended on June 2, 2024. The reintroduction is seen as a necessary step to alleviate the economic challenges faced by many Lagosians, particularly in the wake of rising living costs.
“Eko Cares,” the umbrella initiative under which this fare discount falls, also includes other government interventions aimed at cushioning the effects of economic hardship. Among these is the “Ounjè Eko” program, where the prices of basic food items have been slashed by 25% in select Sunday markets. The comprehensive approach underscores the state government’s commitment to mitigating the financial pressures on its residents.
While the official statement confirmed the reintroduction of the fare discount, specific details on its implementation are still pending. These are expected to be provided by the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), the body responsible for overseeing all regulated transport services within the state.
The reintroduction of the fare discount is part of a series of measures taken by the Lagos State Government since 2023 in response to ongoing economic challenges. The first significant fare reduction was a 50% rebate introduced in August 2023, following the removal of fuel subsidies by President Bola Tinubu’s administration. This discount, which lasted until November 2023, aimed to counteract the immediate impact of rising fuel costs on transportation.
Public concerns over the return of fares to their original rates led to the implementation of a 25% discount in November 2023. This reduction remained in place until late January 2024, but persistent economic difficulties prompted the government to reinstate the 25% discount in February 2024, which continued until its suspension in June 2024.
Meanwhile, the government also introduced a 25% fare reduction on the Blue Line metro rail for off-peak hours between Mile 2 and Marina in August 2024. This initiative was designed to encourage the use of the electric rail system while providing financial relief to commuters.
These measures highlight the Lagos State Government’s ongoing efforts to balance the need for fiscal sustainability with the economic realities faced by its residents.
