It’s been a mixed bag of feelings as many Lagosians described the state government’s recent 13 percent BRT fare hike as insensitive to the plight of the masses.
Recall that the Lagos State Government recently approved a 13 percent increase in fares across all Bus Reform Initiative (BRI} schemes, including Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and standard routes.
According to the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), the new fare structure will take effect from Monday, March 2, 2026.
It stated that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu gave the approval following a passionate appeal from regulated public transport operators, who raised concerns over the sustainability of transit operations amid mounting economic pressures.
Read also: LAMATA releases new BRT fares following 13% increase
But Lagosians will not have it, dubbing the 13 percent fare hike insensitive move by the state government to further push the people to the brink.
“There is no justification for this upward review at this point when your government at the centre is claiming that exchange rate and inflation are trending down. You guys are just being insensitive,” Kehinde Olusesan, wrote as Lagosians took to social media to complain about the fare hike.
Another user Oyetunde Hassan, asked a rhetorical question about the economic survival of hike on Lagosians.
“Una no want us to survive in any way, the last hope of common people in terms of transport is increasing again,” he asked.
In a similar vein, another Lagosian compared the recent hike to the inflation rate that has been trending downward since the last quarter of 2025.
“Isn’t it funny that a government that claims low inflation, and their government is doing fine, is stating inflation as one of the reasons for increase in price, absolutely no justification for this,” Arua John Chukwu wrote.
While some are particular about the economic implications of the hike, some raised issues over the operational conditions of the buses.
“Have you guys done enough to check the excesses of your staffers and operators? Your services are poor,” Ogi Lawson Udonsek wrote.
While Oluwafemi Wale wrote, “Wetin we masses sef wan benefit from this APC government sef?”
But some complained about the frequency of the hike on commuters. “Last last na una go dey enter the bus by Una self. What nonsense? The fare was increased two months ago; now another increase,” Gbaiyegun Oladele wrote.
According to the state government, the adjustment is aimed at cushioning the impact of sustained economic challenges affecting public transport operations.
“The review is also in line with the previously approved annual fare review mechanism,” the government said in a statement signed by Kolawole Ojelabi, head, corporate communication, LAMATA.
It stated that the urgency of the review is underscored by persistent inflationary trends, with Nigeria’s inflation rate closing 2025 at 15.2 percent, according to data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
But, some Lagosians knocked the government for its admittance of inflationary pressure on its operations. “So you guys know there is inflation,” Okala Nnanna wrote.
While Adedeji said, “It is good as the government admitted there’s a persistent inflation trend in the country, thereby causing them to review their fare price!
“It shows how the current government has failed her people,” Gbhade Adedeji wrote.
According to LAMATA, the Bus Operating Companies (BOCs) have continued to grapple with rising operational costs, including increased expenses for vehicle maintenance, spare parts, and staff salaries, particularly following the implementation of the new national minimum wage structure.
But, in a bid to maintain and improve service standards, operators are also investing in the procurement of new, cleaner, and more fuel-efficient buses to enhance passenger comfort and promote environmental sustainability.
The government reassured commuters of its commitment to balancing affordability with the need to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient public transportation across the state.
However, while some Lagosians are complaining about the fare hike, others have called on the government to ensure better services for commuters across Lagos.
Moses Lawal, a Lagos-based social commentator, said the 13 percent hike is a reasonable increment, considering the operational challenges.
“Except if we want them to degrade to the ‘molue’ standard, or totally go extinct!
“I think it is reasonable enough, especially if it borders on operation survival, sustenance, maintenance, service/vehicle quality improvement, and profitability,” Lawal said.
He added that consideration must be given to constant maintenance of the buses and good welfare for staffers.
But on the inflationary pressure, Lawal said that it might appear contradictory on the surface. However, digging deeper into the buses day-to-day operations might provide better clarity on fare hike.
“I had read in the past when commuters decried falling standards. That should have shown a visible but ignored strain.
Read also: Fresh BRT fare hike raises transport inflation fears in Lagos
“Like I posited earlier, if one of the reasons is to improve, or even restore quality of service to the original standard, it is welcomed. Well, except we are okay with the status quo,” he said.
In a similar vein, another Lagosian also asked about the level of service the buses would render if fares remain the same going forward.
“I don’t know how people intend to enjoy first class services paying third class prices; won’t the company pay its workers good salaries to motivate them, won’t the company maintain these buses and fuel them,” Bami Ojo asked.
According to Ojo, nothing good comes cheap. “If the prices are high and they match the services rendered then it’s for the general good,” he added.
