'It's a 3-year plan' - Lagos state government introduces new transport programme

Lagos state government has introduced a new transport initiative called Bus Industry Transition Programme (BITP).

The BITP represents an initiative with the goal of establishing a policy framework to transform the current bus industry and formulate a fresh business model that integrates existing bus operators and their routes into a network of eight prospective Quality Bus Corridors (QBCs).

Oluwaseun Osiyemi, the state Commissioner for Transportation, while addressing the state lawmakers, explained that the initiative will curb the unscrupulous activities associated with the yellow commercial buses, the nation reports.

He stated: "The BITP is a program that Lagos residents should welcome. It is a three-year strategic initiative aimed at integrating the informal sector with the formal sector. The city's yellow bus system is widely recognized for its disorder.

"Significant collaboration is taking place with the participation of various stakeholders. Substantial efforts are currently underway. At this moment, data collection is in progress to determine the routes being used and the volume of commuters.."

Osiyemi added that the state government would work with transport unions to reassure them they will be part of the restructuring.

"We are not negating the existing efforts; instead, we are in the process of formalising this sector to create a more efficient transportation system. This transformation is vital for building the type of mega city we aspire to become.

"These initiatives are part of a comprehensive three-year plan, and we are currently implementing it in stages. As we progress, we anticipate that Lagosians will benefit from and take pride in the outcomes of these efforts.

“Therefore, it involves a lot of stakeholder engagements to be able to explain, especially what we are planning to do with the transport unions, so that at least, they will be in the know of what we are trying to do. It will come out well, and I can assure you that by the time we are done, the kind of Mega City that we pray for will come to play."