Lagos to Phase Out Korope Buses as Lekki–Epe Bus Reform Scheme Kicks Off December 8

Lagos to Phase Out Korope Buses as Lekki–Epe Bus Reform Scheme Kicks Off December 8

The Lagos State Government has announced plans to phase out small commercial buses (korope) from major highways as part of efforts to modernise public transportation and enhance commuter safety across the state.

The policy direction was reaffirmed during a stakeholder meeting convened ahead of the Lekki–Epe Bus Reform Scheme, set to launch on December 8, 2025. The meeting included representatives from the Ministry of Transportation, the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), and informal bus operators to finalise arrangements for the first phase.

Under the new scheme, exclusive, regulated bus services will operate along key corridors, including Ajah–CMS (Marina)/Obalende, Ajah–Oshodi, Ajah–Berger, and Ajah–Iyana Ipaja, with plans to extend to Epe later.

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Special Adviser on Transportation, Sola Giwa, who chaired the meeting, said the state aims to streamline transit operations by removing unregulated and unsafe vehicles from major highways, prioritising passenger comfort, road safety, and security.

“We need to take a lot of bad buses off the road. The Lekki-Epe Expressway is not isolated. The vision of the State Government is also to remove small buses known as korope from major highways and reassign them to feeder and community routes, strengthening the First and Last Mile bus scheme,” Giwa said.

Currently regulated operators will continue stage carriage services, while Oneness, a collective of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), has been approved to run express services from Ajah to Oshodi and Berger.

Buses under the scheme will feature blue-and-white regulated colours, QR codes for vehicle verification, unique identification codes, Touch and Pay (TAP) stickers, and drivers will wear official Ministry of Transportation badges. A total of 229 medium- and high-capacity buses will operate in the first phase, with fare payments limited to the Cowry card system.

Giwa warned that any operator or commuter attempting cash payments will face arrest and prosecution, underscoring the state’s commitment to modernising Lagos public transport and reducing road accidents.

Lagos to Phase Out Korope Buses as Lekki–Epe Bus Reform Scheme Kicks Off December 8