Lagos drivers launch ‘Eko Cab’ after government clampdown on ride-hailing companies

Lagos State Yellow taxi/Cab Drivers Association has launched a digital mobile app to enhance their operational efficiency, a statement from the Lagos State transport ministry said.

Speaking at the launch of the app in Ikeja, Lagos transport commissioner Frederic Oladeinde urged the drivers to be civil and operate in compliance with the regulations that guide public transportation in the state.

Represented by the ministry’s permanent secretary Oluseyi Whenu, Oladeinde advised the drivers to abide by the government regulations to ensure the success and sustainability of the new initiative.

While pledging government’s continued support to all investors in public transportation, the commissioner promised that the government will create an enabling environment for a quick return on their investments.

Oladeinde stressed that compliance with the traffic law will ensure a reduction in traffic gridlocks and road crashes in the state metropolis.

The general secretary of the drivers’ association Taiwo Omolekan said the application was designed to enable the transport ministry to monitor commuter pattern to aid the government with solutions to challenges in the transport sector.

Omolekan stated that the launched app will position the drivers to bridge the gap created by the Okada and Tricycle ban in six local governments in Lagos State since Monday, January 27 2020.

The launch of the ‘Eko Cab’ app comes more than a month after the Lagos State Government commenced enforcement of existing regulations on drivers in the state.

Lagos transport commissioner Oladeinde said the enforcement was in compliance with the Road Traffic Laws which mandates that motorists should possess the stipulated vehicle documents, such as Roadworthiness, Vehicle Licence, Drivers Licence, Insurance Certificate, Hackney Permit and the Lagos State Drivers Institute (LASDRI) card for all categories of commercial commuter vehicles.

“Those with incomplete or expired documentation should validate their papers as the government will continue to apprehend all violators of the law,” Oladeinde said.

Operations of drivers of ride-hailing companies were hampered in different parts of the state after officials of Lagos State Government’s Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS) began enforcement of the existing transport law.

Uber and Taxify drivers subsequently marched on VIS office to protest the clampdown resulting from the enforcement of the state transport law.

Sources at the ride-hailing companies- Uber and Taxify told The Guardian that the government was also demanding regulation fees from them.

But the spokesperson of the transportation ministry Bolanle Ogunlana said the government was still in discussions with relevant stakeholders to come up with operational guidelines including an operational fee.