29th October, 2013
The Lagos State Government has earmarked 60 days to register all commuter bus drivers, owners and conductors in the state in southwest Nigeria, beginning from 1 November, 2013.
The exercise is in conformity with the Road Traffic Law 2012 aimed at improving the availability, safety, security and the quality of service delivery of public transportation.
The government said this step had become necessary in order to regulate the operations of commercial passenger vehicles and public transportation operators for efficiency, safety and security as well as the sustainability of the implementation of a safe, efficient and reliable public transport system in line with the provisions of the law.
Commissioner for Transportation, Kayode Opeifa, who addressed a cross-section of the leadership of the various transport unions in the state, said the new system includes the re-introduction of Commuter Bus Routing Scheme, Commercial Passenger Vehicle Licensing, Corporate Outlook for Transport Operators (use of Uniforms and Badges) and the implementation of passenger insurance for all commercial passenger vehicles on Lagos State roads.
“From the commencement date, all commercial bus owners, drivers and conductors are to visit any of the twenty-one zonal offices of the Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS) nearest to them for accreditation and documentation free of charge. The process involves the physical examination of vehicles and particulars to ascertain its road worthiness status and the submission of detailed personal data of the commercial vehicle owner who thereafter will be issued a public transport operator license.
“Drivers and conductors are to visit any of the five Lagos State Drivers Institute, LASDRI, centres across the state where they will be accredited and issued with Lagos Commercial Passenger Vehicle Driver’s and Conductors Badge after completing the mandatory LASDRI training,” he said.
The commissioner also solicited the support and co-operation of all stakeholders to ensure the success of the programme designed to further restore and reposition the sector for better productivity, service delivery and improved quality of life for all Lagosians.
—Kazeem Ugbodaga