The Lagos State Government has approved a 13 per cent increase in fares across all Bus Reform Initiative (BRI) schemes, including Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and standard routes, the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) announced on Monday.
The approval follows appeals from regulated public transport operators, who raised concerns about the sustainability of transit operations amid mounting economic pressures. The new fare structure will take effect from Monday, March 2, 2026.
According to the state government, the fare revision aims to cushion the impact of sustained economic challenges affecting public transport operations.
“The review is also in line with the previously approved annual fare review mechanism. The urgency of the review is underscored by persistent inflationary trends, with Nigeria’s inflation rate closing 2025 at 15.2 per cent, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS),” the statement signed by LAMATA’s Head of Corporate Communication, Kolawole Ojelabi, read.
Bus Operating Companies (BOCs) have continued to grapple with increasing operational expenses, including vehicle maintenance, spare parts, and staff salaries, particularly following the implementation of the new national minimum wage.
Operators are also investing in cleaner, fuel-efficient buses to enhance passenger comfort and promote environmental sustainability, the statement added.
The government reassured commuters of its commitment to balancing affordability with the need to provide safe, reliable, and efficient public transportation across Lagos.
