Some BRT users in Lagos expressed their displeasure on Sunday with the N100 increase in transportation fares that went into effect on July 13.

They each gave separate interviews in Lagos.

Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu approved a N100 increase on all BRT routes to cover the increase in operational costs, such as diesel and spare parts.

Mr Saka Lawal, a printer who lives in Ikorodu and works at Fadeyi, believes the state government should have sought public feedback before proceeding with the implementation.

Lawal, a regular BRT passenger, stated that they had been communicating with the government via WhatsApp for more than a month before the final outcome.

He stated that the money was too much for some people, and that there was concern that other commercial buses would follow suit and raise their prices as well.

Lawal urged the government to provide more buses, particularly in Ikorodu, to address the issue of long queues that cause many people to arrive late for work every day.

“We understand that diesel is expensive and not available at some filling stations,” he said, “but the government should upgrade their standards and reduce queues at various BRT bus stops.”

Mr Adewale Johnson, a banker on Lagos Island, thought the N100 increase was fair.

He did, however, suggest that more buses be added to keep the crowds at bus stops to a bare minimum.

Miss Toyin Ayilara, a trader who travels from Abule-Egba to Oshodi, said the increase would have an impact on her daily budget.

She also requested that the government purchase more buses.

Mr Yekini Sanusi, a rug seller in Itire, said he bought an N600 BRT top-up on the Cowry card but ended up boarding other commercial buses after waiting three hours in line.

“We are dissatisfied with the increase; it was N300 from Ikorodu to CMS or Costain during the heat of COVID-19, but it was raised to N500 while observing the social distancing.”