The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) has announced a new award initiative to recognize the most responsive bus operating company to Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), as part of a strategic partnership aimed at improving transit accessibility across Lagos State.

The announcement was made during a courtesy visit by the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA), where management teams from both agencies met to discuss critical measures to enhance inclusion within the State’s public transport system.

LAMATA’s Managing Director, Engr. Mrs. Abimbola Akinajo, received the LASODA delegation led by the General Manager, Mrs. Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, and commended the agency for its sustained engagement and advocacy on disability inclusion.

Speaking during the visit, Mrs. Oyetunde-Lawal noted that LASODA has continued to enlighten the public and various clusters of PWDs on transport policies, emphasizing that while transportation services are not free for PWDs, the provision of priority seating remains a mandatory requirement. She also advocated for the integration of sign language video translations for public announcements to be displayed on screens across bus and rail networks.

In addition to instituting the award for bus operators, LAMATA committed to granting LASODA increased visibility during its village meetings with transit operatives to further promote awareness and compliance.

By incentivizing bus operating companies to prioritize accessibility and responsiveness, LAMATA seeks to advance a more inclusive, equitable, and user-friendly urban transport system for all residents of Lagos State.