Lagos Launches First And Last Mile Bus Scheme To Replace Tricycles And Bikes (Okada)—The Lagos State Government launches a new bus system initiative known as First And Last Mile Bus to serve as a replacement for the Tricylces and Bikes which the government banned due to the increased level of insecurity.
This new functional and effective intermodal transportation system, First and Last Mile Bus Scheme was launched at the Citizens Mediattion Center, Agege Lagos on the 11th of May 2020 as the Lagos State Acquires 2000 new buses.
On the 1st of February 2020, the Lagos state Government banned all activities of commercial motorcycles (Okaka) and Tricylces (Keke Napep) in 15 local government areas in the state and on all highways.
This development saw many riders and operators lament as Law Enforcement began to impound bikes and tricyclces during this period.
The Lagos State Government has deemed it fit to introduce a replacement for the Bikes and Tricycles with the First And Last Mile Bus which will move in the community-based routes within a distance of 3-4 kilometres.
The First and Last Mile Bus scheme will enhance the comfortability and security of the average Lagos State residents and it also promises to be very affordable.
The Special Adviser to the Lagos State Government on Civic Engagement, Princess Aderemi Adebowale had this to say regarding the new initiative, “The First and Last Mile Bus Scheme routes, considered as community-based routes within a distance of 3-4 kilometres, are currently served by the Tricycles and Motorcycles.
However, following the restriction of the operation of motorcycles in Six Local Government Areas and Nine Local Council Development Areas, it became expedient to conceive FLM scheme which enhances passengers’ connectivity and accessibility to all the bus routes (standard and BRT routes) as well as proposed Rail corridors and waterways in Lagos.
To kick-off the scheme, the State Government is facilitating the provision of 2000 buses, in collaboration with the private sector, to be operational in phases over the next six months. The first batch of 500 buses is set to be launched in coming week.
Ladies and Gentlemen, let me at this juncture urge all our residents who will be making use of the buses to do so with utmost care and ensure the buses are well taken care of and resist any attempt to vandalise the buses.
The buses belong to the people and therefore must be protected. The buses are provided to ease the transportation challenges of our people to make inner-street transportation easier.
The Office of Civic Engagement is advocating for the success of this First and Last Mile Bus Project as its success will be in fulfilment of our mandates to always bring relief to the stressed and vulnerable citizens of our dear State.
This has necessitated the initiation of social intervention programmes such as; Sanwo-Olu Listens, Eko Cares, Mother Infant and Child (MICH), Snacks for thought in the Office of Civic Engagement geared towards providing relief to our vulnerable citizens who are challenged in the areas of health, unforeseen disasters, loss of jobs and businesses and infant and child development.
I will like to thank Mr. Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat for their vision and unflinching support for this programme not forgetting those who have worked tirelessly to make this scheme a reality.”
