Commuters in Lagos will soon pay higher transport fares as the Lagos State Government has approved a 13 per cent increase for Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and other standard routes under the Bus Reform Initiative (BRI). The decision comes amid rising operational costs and sustained economic pressures on public transport operators.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu authorised the fare adjustment following appeals from regulated bus operators, who argued that the current fares were no longer sustainable given inflation and increased operating expenses.
The new fare structure will take effect from Monday, March 2, 2026, and applies across all BRI schemes, including both BRT and standard bus services. Officials noted that the adjustment aligns with the state’s annual fare review mechanism.
Speaking on the development, Kolawole Ojelabi, Head of Corporate Communications at the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, said the increase was necessary to mitigate the impact of persistent economic challenges on public transport.
“The fare review became necessary to address the realities of rising operational costs confronting bus operating companies, while ensuring the continued delivery of safe, reliable, and efficient services to commuters,” Ojelabi said.
He highlighted that inflationary pressures have heightened the urgency of the review, noting that Nigeria’s inflation rate closed 2025 at 15.2 per cent, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.
The Lagos State Government said Bus Operating Companies (BOCs) have faced rising expenses related to vehicle maintenance, spare parts, and staff salaries, particularly following the implementation of the new national minimum wage.
Ojelabi added that operators are also investing in newer, cleaner, and more fuel-efficient buses to improve service quality and promote environmental sustainability.
Commuters are advised to take note of the revised fares when planning their journeys from March 2, 2026.