Due to rising cost of operation, operator of the Bus Rapid Transit, BRT, Primero Transport Services Limited, has announced plans to commence implementation of what it called “marginal increase” in its transport fares this month.
Managing Director of Primero Transport Services, operator of BRT along Ikorodu, CMS corridor, Mr. Fola Tinubu, said the organization was constrained to introduce the increment owing to economic recession which had shot up every cost of operation.
Tinubu disclosed that in November 2015, BRT buses moved a total number of 2,610,30 passengers with an increase in number each month to December 2016, where 4,5788, 48 passengers boarded BRT. The total ridership from November 2015 to December 2016 recorded 42,551,118.00.
He said despite the current situation in the country the organization was prepared to increase capacity in order to accommodate the expected increase in number of patronage in 2017.
However, on the proposed increment in fares, Tinubu said, “We are going to increase our fares across the corridor by February. This is due to economic condition in the country which is beyond our control.
“Our cost of operation has gone up astronomically. We were buying diesel last year for N120 per litre but this year it is N260 per litre. The tyres we were buying for about N70,000 per one is now N140,000 each, while all the spare parts for the buses are imported.
“We have no choice other than to continue buying them. If we must sustain our operation to Lagos masses who have been enjoying our services we have to introduce this increment which is just a marginal increase. We just have to find a way to make the BRT work.
“It is quite unfortunate that we found ourself in this situation which is beyond our control to still keep the present pricing going. We are appealing to residents to bear with us as everything is being done to make sure it will not be a burden to their pocket. It will not be as high as the usual commercial yellow buses,” he stated.
