Managing Director of Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), Engr. Abimbola Akinajo has affirmed that the agency was working towards “a connected Lagos” with the various transport projects being implemented through it by the Lagos State Government.

Engr. Akinajo spoke while addressing officials of Office of Transformation, Creativity and innovation, (Office of Head of Service), who led consultants engaged for scoping assessment/situating structure of MDAs whose mandate directly impact the T.H.E.M.E.S agenda of the state to the agency.

She explained that the vision of an intermodal integrated transport system was meant to create choices for the Lagos commuters in order to achieve their daily commute needs and meet up their economic and social engagements.

Engr. Akinajo informed that the State Government was keen in bringing two rail lines – Blue and Red rail lines – to passenger operation latest by the end of 2022, noting that “these two lines would change the transport landscape of Lagos when operational.”

“We have a transport master plan which speaks to the vision of Mr. Governor on transportation. We have six rail lines and one monorail, 14 Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridors, over 20 water routes and are sure that when all of these are properly harnessed, Lagos will join the league of cities with an efficient transport system.”

“We have advertised four other rail lines for the private sector to invest. We are working on the private sector so they could bring in about 1500 high capacity buses by 2022; we would be launching our First Mile Last Mile (FMLM) scheme very soon. We are working on the construction of two interchanges at Mile 2 and CMS. We want to ensure that Lagosians travel in comfort,” she stated.

Engr. Akinajo said LAMATA had opened up 57 routes for operators which include the two main transport unions, the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), who are currently operating on the Oshodi – Abule Egba BRT corridor and other standard bus routes.

However, she told the consultant that LAMATA needs to increase its manpower as the transport networks unfold and an office complex to accommodate its staff.

The lead consultant for the scoping exercise, Mr. Abdurrahman Lekki described LAMATA as a transport agency pivotal the Traffic Management and Transportation pillar Mr. Governor’s T.H.E.M.E.S. agenda.

Mr. Lekki admonished LAMATA to ensure that a broad spectrum of stakeholders in the transport sector were carried along to guarantee success of government plans.