- Safiu Kehinde
The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) has reacted to the viral video of a Nigerian lady and content creator, Ella, who was harassed by a staff of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), for calling out the Lagos State Government over shortage of buses and long queues at stations.
While admitting to the occurrence of the incident, LAMATA, in a statement issued on Wednesday by its Head Corporate Communications, Kolawole Ojelabi, acknowledged the dearth of bus at its terminals.
The authority attributed the challenge to global economic pressure and rising fuel costs.
“LAMATA recognizes the increasing demand for additional buses across the network. This surge is largely driven by the relatively affordable and reliable services available within the regulated public transport system.
“In the context of global economic pressures and rising fuel costs, regulated transport has become an essential mobility lifeline for many Lagosians.
“To address this growing demand, LAMATA is actively working with private sector partners to accelerate the introduction of more buses into the system.” The statement partly read.
On the clash between Ella and the BRT bus official, LAMATA clarified that the official involved is not a direct employee of the authority, but a supervisor employed by a private Bus Operating Company (BOC).
However, LAMATA assured the public of continued engagement with operators to ensure service standards and commuter experience ae maintained.
Meanwhile, the authority urged Ella and other content creators to be mindful of existing privacy law as it disclosed receiving several complaints from commuters over unathorised capture and publication of their images.
“LAMATA also wishes to advise content creators to be mindful of existing privacy laws when producing and sharing content on public transport.
“We have received complaints from commuters regarding the unauthorized capture and publication of their images and videos online.
“Content creators are therefore urged to respect the privacy of passengers and obtain appropriate consent where necessary.
“LAMATA will not be held responsible for any breach of commuters’ privacy resulting from content created or published by third parties.” It said.
The authority maintained that the Lagos State Government has made significant investments in world-class transport infrastructure, including rail systems, water transport terminals, and dedicated bus corridors.
It however called for more private sector participation while reiterating its commitment to accessible and safe transportation.
“To fully maximize these assets, greater operational capacity is required. In this regard, we encourage and welcome private sector participation in the public transport ecosystem.
“There remains substantial opportunity for investors and operators to contribute the fleet capacity needed to move Lagos efficiently and sustainably.
“LAMATA remains committed to ensuring that every Lagosian has access to safe, reliable, affordable, and dignified transportation.”