- Lagos State Government has announced an impending ban on Danfo and Korope buses from October 1, 2024
- An aide of Governor Sanwo-Olu clarified that the ban would be for buses along the Lekki-Epe corridor
- Nigerians reacted to the development, some hailing the initiative and others asking for alternatives for commuters and drivers
The Lagos State Government has recently announced a significant transportation reform with the upcoming ban on danfo and korope buses along the Lekki-Epe corridor, effective on October 1, 2024.
This move, according to Sola Giwa, the Special Adviser on Transportation to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, is part of the state's Bus Reform Initiative, which aims to restructure the often chaotic transport operations in the state.
Why the ban?
According to Giwa, the ban will pave the way for the introduction of mass transit buses, enhancing commuter experience with improved services and an e-ticketing system.
While compliant Danfo and Korope buses will still have a role within the new framework, those that fail to meet the required standards will be banned.
He posted on X, saying: “...The primary goal of the Bus Reform Initiative (BRI) is to restructure commercial bus operations… A stakeholders' meeting was held on June 27th, including heads of Transport Unions, key Transport Operators, officials from the State’s Ministry of Transportation, and the Special Adviser and Permanent Secretary of Transportation, and a communique was signed at the stakeholders' meeting, addressing all doubts and concerns. There is no cause for alarm.”
More facts about the Bus Reform Initiative
While some people believe the ban will be statewide, the SA to the governor clarified in his post that “I have received numerous calls and messages following the publication on various blogs and online news platforms regarding a ban on Danfos by Lagos State.
“To clarify and prevent any misunderstandings, it is essential to highlight that the forthcoming initiative is designed to enhance public commuting and better serve the residents of Lagos.
“As a pilot project, the BRI will introduce mass transit buses for the Lekki-Epe corridor. Danfo buses that conform to the standards of the VIS will operate as Mid-capacity buses while Korope buses that also meet the standards will be integrated into the First Mile Last Mile services to serve the interior roads along the stretch from Obalende/CMS to Ajah (specifically Eleko).
“Danfo and Korope buses will undergo roadworthiness checks, and drivers will receive professional training at our driving institute. Designated routes will be assigned, and compliance will be strictly monitored. Passenger comfort is a top priority; therefore, an e-ticketing system will be introduced.
“The issue of illegal passenger pickups and unauthorized bus stops will be effectively addressed. The initiative has prompted Transport Operators to register for new franchises with the Ministry of Transportation.”
Nigerians react to the impending ban of Danfo, Korope
This development has generated mixed reactions from Nigerians. Some have applauded the state government for the new development, expressing their satisfaction at the new transportation reforms while others believe it is a case of misplaced priority on the part of the government.
Others are of the opinion that the move will encourage crime as many drivers will be out of a job by the time the ban is enforced.
Here are some of the comments that trailed that announcement:
@MaestroRidwan posted: “The days of agberos and disordileness on our roads are numbered. These are the initiatives we need to wade off all forms of lawlessness on our roads. A Lagos with seamless traffic is possible. Well meaning Lagosians are with you sir. Thank you for the great work u're doing.”
@Damilol53010286 posted: “Just ban Agberos instead of danfo, Agberos are really misbehaving in lagos, leave using them as political thugs aside if they did not vote for u, we d people will so far we see what u guys are doing, then find another jobs for them so that they won't cos menace.”
@Adamexoflagos posted: “That route honestly need this transformation, a lot of buses are in bad state on that routes tearing people cloth and you won’t even sit comfortably…you have to fold your legs then muscle pull arise before even alighting the bus.”
@joyforever74 posted: “Increase transport burden. Fares will be astronomically increased. I remembered when white and green bus came on board same route.”
@techieMAWT posted: “Beautiful development! but are there employment provisions for some drivers who depends on that route?”
@chiebolam posted: “Na thieves una just approve now for entire Lagos... congratulations agbadorian.”
@carsblogerrrr posted: “After begging the people of Lagos state to give you a second chance, this is what you are going to use to pay them, Sanwolu. wow.”
@talk2veee posted: “Useless and clueless people. No plan or alternative in place. They want to render these people jobless and shoot up crime rate. Mtcheeeeew.”
@JubrilZakariyau posted: “Dishing out harsh policies when people are planning protests is a recipe for instability. Well, most of the owners of those Danfo and Korope are Policemen, Soldiers, LASTMA. So, October’s gonna be hót. FG, State Govt, Police should keep cooking till the pot catches faya.”
@femi4yo posted: “Dem no born dem well… Dem wan kuku frustrate us pata pata for Lagos … nah so dem ban okada for some areas.”
@iam_enfash posted: “The individuals in charge of Nigeria are not creative or sensitive, in other words. Danfo is a distinctive feature of Lagos. Eliminating it would cause additional hardship and affect those who rely on it for transportation to their workplaces. I suggest finding a company capable of modernizing Danfo. This way, people could purchase it in instalments or outright... So gradually it fades out over time.”
@MarkLander9993 posted: “Watch how crime rate increase in Lagos after the ban. People going to Nigeria in December should be careful.”
@Estoba2 posted: “GLORY BE TO GOD OOO.. Finally someone is thinking. There will be respite on Lekki Epe Expressway. For those who think it won't work, shush pls. Tinubu was told d same thing when he announced ban on Molue, replacing with BRT. We thought Lagos won't survive without Molue, but now?”
Lagos State to introduce new law to regulate street begging
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported Lagos State's move to regulate street begging stemmed from the state House of Assembly's ongoing discussions about enacting a law to criminalise street begging and the giving of alms to beggars.
The proposed legislation aimed to address the growing issue of street begging, which lawmakers argue had become a public nuisance and a cover for criminal activities.