LASG deepens engagement on bus reform initiative in Lekki-Epe corridor

The Lagos State Ministry of Transportation has reiterated its commitment to sustained stakeholders’ engagement following the commencement of the Bus Reform Initiative (BRI) on the Lekki–Epe Corridor.

The initiative, which restricts operations on the corridor to medium and high-capacity buses while limiting mini buses popularly known as “Korope” to inner routes, recently generated public discourse, including protests by some mini bus operators.

In response, the Ministry of Transportation, led by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Sola Giwa, and Lekki Estate Residents and Stakeholders Association (LERSA) convened a strategic stakeholders’ meeting to further clarify the objectives and implementation framework of the reform.

Speaking during the meeting, the Special Adviser explained that the Bus Reform Initiative is anchored on the Lagos Strategic Transportation Master Plan, which prioritises structured, regulated and sustainable mass transit systems across road, rail and waterways.

According to him, Lagos State, despite its relatively small land mass, remains one of the most densely populated urban centres in Africa, thereby necessitating deliberate and forward-looking transportation planning.

He noted that the State Government’s focus is on moving people efficiently and in large numbers through a coordinated mass transit system that aligns with traffic management and safety.

“Instead of having ten smaller buses operating independently on a route, one large-capacity bus can transport the same number of passengers. This translates to fewer vehicles on the road, reduced traffic congestion, lower environmental pollution, and improved economic productivity,” he stated.

Addressing concerns around regulation, the Special Adviser observed that prior to the BRI, transport operations along the corridor were largely unregulated. He explained that government intervention became necessary to ensure safety, accountability, data-driven planning and improved service delivery.

He further disclosed that before the pilot phase commenced, transport unions and other stakeholders along the corridor were invited to series of meetings and encouraged to form structured groups. This, he said, would enable proper registration, issuance of QR codes, data capture, and effective monitoring of operations.

To date, ten transport groups have successfully registered and are participating in the pilot phase of the initiative. The Special Adviser urged other operators yet to formalise their operations to come forward and comply with the registration process, emphasising that inclusivity and collaboration remain central to the reform agenda.

He also appealed to residents, transporters and other stakeholders within the Lekki–Epe axis to embrace the Bus Reform Initiative as a necessary step towards achieving a safer, more efficient and globally competitive transportation system for Lagos State.

The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to continuous dialogue and constructive engagement as the State advances its transportation transformation agenda.