BRT 'Lite' To Open in Nigeria

"Delay in traffic hours, lack of safety and convenience in public transport being experienced by Lagosians will soon be a thing of the past as the much awaited Bus Rapid Transit System, otherwise known as BRT Lite will become operational in Lagos metropolis as from March, 2008."

"The Managing Director, Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, while disclosing this to journalists on Monday, said Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, would perform the official inauguration ceremony on March 17."

"According to him, the BRT lite buses would run partly on physically segregated lanes from Mile 12 to CMS in Lagos Island, stating that the tickets will be sold at all terminals and BRT lite bus stops."

"The LAMATA boss said the BRT lite would commence with 126 buses and that as the demand increased, the organisation intend to increase them."

"According to him, the delay in delivering the service before third quarters of years was due to hiccup encountered by the permit granted to a gas company to lay pipes along the corridor."

"He said he was happy to announce that the BRT buses are ready to roll, describing it as one of the fastest to be conceptualised and delivered within the space of twelve months."

Like many Sub-Saharan African cities, Lagos is experiencing rapid population growth and even more rapid growth in private automobiles, which despite providing mobility to only a small percent of the population take up a majority of the road space. Although the new line lacks several important features common to the most successful BRT systems- fully dedicated lanes, raised platforms and bi-articulated buses with multiple entries and egresses -the project is a step in the right direction for improving transport for the majority of Lagosians.

Further information can be found on Lamata's website at http://www.lamata-ng.com/brt.htm

Thanks to Erick Guerra