The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) has raised concerns over the increasing and blatant misuse of lanes designated for Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) buses by unauthorised users across the state.
Gatekeepers News reports that in a statement issued on Wednesday, the agency said the offenders include some military personnel, para-military agencies, buses operated by local governments and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), as well as private vehicle owners.
LAMATA explained that the dedicated lanes are strictly reserved for buses and vehicles operating under franchises regulated by the authority. It added that the only exemptions apply to emergency response vehicles such as fire trucks and ambulances, and only when they are responding to emergencies.
The authority said the continued violation of the lanes is troubling and threatens the effectiveness of the BRT system.
“The BRT lane was specifically designed to provide fast, reliable, and safe mass transit for the commuting public. Unauthorised use not only disrupts scheduled operations but also endangers passengers and other road users, contributes to traffic congestion, and erodes the gains made in improving urban mobility across Lagos State,” LAMATA said.
The agency stressed that existing regulations guiding the use of BRT lanes remain fully in force and will be strictly enforced.
“LAMATA wishes to state unequivocally that the regulations guiding the use of the BRT lane remain in full force and will be strictly enforced. All offenders, regardless of status or affiliation, will be apprehended and prosecuted in accordance with the relevant traffic laws of Lagos State. Penalties may include fines, impoundment of vehicles, and other legal sanctions as prescribed by law,” the statement added.
LAMATA also urged road users, including security agencies and government institutions, to respect the rules governing the BRT system.
According to the authority, cooperation from all stakeholders is vital to maintaining an efficient and world-class transport system in Lagos.
“Cooperation from all stakeholders is essential to sustaining an efficient and world-class transport system for Lagos. The Authority remains committed to ensuring order, safety, and efficiency across the state’s transport network and will not hesitate to take decisive action against violators,” it said.
