The Lagos State Government has approved a 13 per cent fare increase on Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and other standard routes under the Bus Reform Initiative (BRI), citing rising operational costs and sustained economic pressures on public transport operators.

The approval was granted by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu following appeals from regulated bus operators, who warned that existing fares were no longer sustainable in the face of inflation and higher operating costs.

According to the state government, the fare adjustment is aimed at cushioning the impact of persistent economic challenges affecting public transport operations. The review is also in line with the previously approved annual fare review mechanism.

The Head of Corporate Communications, Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), Kolawole Ojelabi, disclosed in a statement issued on Monday that the new fares will take effect from March 2, 2026.

The statement noted that the urgency of the review was underscored by persistent inflationary trends, with Nigeria’s inflation rate closing at 15.2 per cent in 2025, according to data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

It further stated that Bus Operating Companies (BOCs) have continued to grapple with rising operational costs, including increased expenses for vehicle maintenance, spare parts, and staff salaries, particularly following the implementation of the new national minimum wage.

The statement added that operators are investing in the procurement of new, cleaner, and more fuel-efficient buses to improve passenger comfort and promote environmental sustainability.