LAMATA Reacts To Viral Video, Promises More Buses For Lagos Commuters

The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) has addressed a viral video posted by a content creator darksinnned.ella, highlighting challenges faced by commuters, including an encounter with a bus supervisor.

The video, which showcased the girl’s frustrating experience with a bus supervisor, has sparked widespread attention online.

In a statement on Wednesday, LAMATA appreciated the feedback and reaffirmed its commitment to improving service delivery.

The authority acknowledged the growing demand for more buses, citing the affordability and reliability of regulated public transport.

LAMATA, through it Head of Communication, Kolawole Ojelabi, said the organisation is working with private partners to increase fleet capacity.

LAMATA clarified that the supervisor involved is employed by a private Bus Operating Company, not LAMATA.

The authority also urged content creators to respect passengers’ privacy laws when sharing content online.

The statement reads: “The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) is aware of the videos currently circulating online posted by @darksinnned.ella, highlighting the challenges faced by commuters and a specific encounter with a bus supervisor. We appreciate the feedback provided, as it helps strengthen our regulatory oversight and improve service delivery across the regulated public transport system.

“LAMATA recognizes the increasing demand for additional buses across the network. This surge is largely driven by the relatively affordable and reliable services available within the regulated public transport system. In the context of global economic pressures and rising fuel costs, regulated transport has become an essential mobility lifeline for many Lagosians. To address this growing demand, LAMATA is actively working with private sector partners to accelerate the introduction of more buses into the system.

“Regarding the incident referenced in the video by darksinnned.ella, we wish to clarify that the individual involved is a supervisor employed by a private Bus Operating Company (BOC) and is not a direct employee of LAMATA. Nevertheless, as the regulator of the system, LAMATA takes such concerns seriously and continues to engage with operators to ensure that service standards and commuter experience are maintained.

“LAMATA also wishes to advise content creators to be mindful of existing privacy laws when producing and sharing content on public transport.

“We have received complaints from commuters regarding the unauthorized capture and publication of their images and videos online.

“Content creators are therefore urged to respect the privacy of passengers and obtain appropriate consent where necessary. LAMATA will not be held responsible for any breach of commuters’ privacy resulting from content created or published by third parties.

“The Lagos State Government has made significant investments in world-class transport infrastructure, including rail systems, water transport terminals, and dedicated bus corridors. To fully maximize these assets, greater operational capacity is required. In this regard, we encourage and welcome private sector participation in the public transport ecosystem. There remains substantial opportunity for investors and operators to contribute the fleet capacity needed to move Lagos efficiently and sustainably.

“LAMATA remains committed to ensuring that every Lagosian has access to safe, reliable, affordable, and dignified transportation”.