By Bayo Akinlade Esq
I have just read somewhere that the Lagos State Government plans to phase out Korope (mini buses) and restrict them to first and last line routes, as in they will only operate in communities where the Lagos State is not providing any public transportation.
Aside from the corrupt, self serving, monopolistic nature of this plan, it is obvious that those who make these decisions and their consultants are clueless about public transportation in an intensely growing population like Lagos State.
Apart from the fact that Lagos State lacks a robust network of roads, where only one road leads to most residential and economic centers, we have road congestions and delays because our government is so hell bent on milking it’s citizens dry they permit market activities on highways and allow people to dump their refuse on major roads.
Now historically, the Lagos “transportation plan” has never been sustainable nor has it even been effective. Whether it was the RED BUSES, O’RIDES or now the BLUE BUSES which has now turned into a circus show linked by the Cowry Card innovation, these schemes have largely served the politicians and their business interests at the cost of everyday people.
If Lagos needs a workable transportation policy I would suggest that those who make these decisions dump their SUV’s paid for by hard working Lagosians and start taking the bus to work and to other official functions.
Afterall, if you want to bring a system that works in London or New York to Nigeria, do what Londoners and New Yorkers do… Ride the train or bus to work!
Bayo Akinlade Esq is a Lagosian from the Bashua Chieftaincy and Royal Family of Lagos State
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