Embrace other transportation modes, LASG urges commuters

The Lagos State Government has again called on all road users in the metropolis to embrace the use of water transportation in order to decongest the roads, especially at this Yuletide season.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation, Mr Oluseyi Whenu, made the appeal, while featuring on ‘’AWAYE”, a Yoruba motoring programme on Radio Lagos, 107.5FM.

A statement by the Assistant Director, Public Affairs at the ministry, Mrs Bolanle Ogunlola, quoted the commissioner as urging commuters to adopt water transportation to access their destinations and not depend solely on road, noting that the present administration had committed huge resources to the development of transport infrastructure.

Whenu explained that in line with the Lagos State Government’s mandate to ease citizenry mobility through inter-modal transportation, the first phase of the Lagos rail, that is the blue line project from Mile 2 to Okokomaiko, would be completed and delivered for operations in 2022, as well as the red line which would share the standard gauge track of the Federal Government Lagos-Ibadan to connect Alagbado to Oyingbo.

The permanent secretary also revealed that plans had been concluded to procure additional boats to accommodate increased riders, and ensure operational safety guidelines on the waterways.

On the issue of traffic management, Whenu stated that the additional 1,000 trained LASTMA Officers absorbed by the Lagos State Government to further ease the flow of traffic had impacted positively on reduction of traffic congestion within the metropolis, adding that their operational time had increased from 8pm to 10pm.

For the festive period which had drawn near, the permanent secretary emphasised the need for motorists to observe the traffic rules and regulations for safety of lives and property.

He further advised all drivers to avoid over speeding, drinking and driving, driving against traffic, thuggery, violence and other traffic laws violation to avoid sanctions and penalties.

Whenu while assuring the citizenry of the government’s commitment to development of efficient transport system in the state urged motorist to consider the option of car pooling, by pairing up with partners of same location to reduce numbers of vehicles on the roads, adding that the state’s high capacity buses are also available for Public use.

The PS advised motorists to adhere strictly to COVID-19 protocols and safety guidelines, especially at this Yuletide season, just as he urged residents to support the Lagos State Government to achieve progress in the transportation sector.