While explaining the rationale for the increase, Dr. Mobereola said: “In the last two years, the BRT system has gone through a lot of ups and downs but in the midst of all the challenges, it has never for one day stopped operation, even in the face of rising cost of operation and maintenance. In the last two years and four months of operation, BRT has maintained the same fare level – a situation which is un-paralleled in the history of bus operation in Nigeria.

“At the commencement of BRT operations, the price of diesel was between N60 and N65. A litre of diesel is today selling for between N105 and N110. This shows some percentage increases of between 61.5 and 83.3. The cost of tyres, spares, lube and other maintenance components have not been static since the BRT commenced operations about 28 months ago.”

He said the marginal increase will assist in recovering some cost of operations, give members of commuting public efficient services and ensure system sustainability, adding, “We want this system to outlive us, hence the need for each and every one of us to contribute our efforts in ensuring that the system is sustainable.”

Speaking on the benefits of the system, Dr. Mobereola stated that “the BRT has saved commuters time and money, carried more that 120 million passengers using 220 buses and created more than 2000 direct employment and over 3000 indirect employment. BRT has returned the dignity of the average Lagos resident who does not have to struggle to catch a bus to work, business or social engagements.  All this have been achieved at great costs to both the Government and the operator. Government has spent so much on the BRT scheme by making available necessary infrastructure such as the BRT lanes, service lanes and bus shelters so as to promote smoother rides.”

He said LAMATA, as the regulator of the system, would ensure that no BRT operative infringes on the rights of passengers while also admonishing the commuters to show respect to the BRT crews at bus shelters and terminals.