Lagos approves 13% fare hike for BRT, standard buses amid rising operational costs

The Lagos State Government has approved a 13 per cent increase in fares for buses operating under the Bus Reform Initiative (BRI), covering both Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and standard route services.

The announcement was made on Monday by Mr. Kolawole Ojelabi, Head of Corporate Communication at the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA).

According to him, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu granted approval for the adjustment following concerns raised by bus operators over escalating operational costs.

Ojelabi stated that the new fares will take effect from Monday, March 2, explaining that the upward review is intended to cushion the impact of prevailing economic pressures on operators and ensure continued service delivery.

He noted that the decision aligns with the state government’s approved annual fare review framework, designed to periodically assess pricing in response to macroeconomic realities.

Providing context for the increase, Ojelabi referenced data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), which indicated that Nigeria’s inflation rate closed at 15.2 per cent at the end of 2025.

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He said bus operating companies have been grappling with higher expenses, including vehicle maintenance, procurement of spare parts, and increased wage obligations following the implementation of a new national minimum wage.

In addition, he disclosed that operators are making investments in cleaner and more fuel-efficient buses aimed at improving passenger comfort and promoting environmental sustainability.

While acknowledging the financial strain on commuters, Ojelabi emphasized that the government is working to strike a balance between maintaining affordable transportation and ensuring safe, reliable, and efficient services for Lagos residents.

The Bus Reform Initiative remains a central component of Lagos’ urban mobility strategy, serving millions of commuters daily across major corridors in the state.