LAMATA, RTEAN Deepen Talks On Lagos Bus Reform

The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority and the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria have intensified discussions on the modernisation of bus operations under the Lagos Bus Reform Initiative.

According to a statement obtained on Wednesday, both parties held a strategic meeting in Lagos to align stakeholders on operational and institutional reforms required for the implementation of the initiative across the state’s Quality Bus Corridors.

The meeting, facilitated by the Managing Director of Touch and Pay Technologies, Olamide Afolabi, focused on key areas including vehicle standards, restructuring transport operators into cooperatives or corporate entities, and the establishment of maintenance systems to improve fleet reliability and efficiency.

Under the proposed reform plan, modern buses are expected to replace ageing and unregulated vehicles, while Intelligent Transport Systems will be introduced to improve monitoring and operations. The initiative also aims to expand digital ticketing and cashless fare payment systems for commuters.

Representatives of the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation, LAMATA officials, and the leadership of RTEAN attended the meeting.
Officials representing the ministry included Olasunkanmi Ojowuro and Tiamiyu Oluwatosin, while LAMATA’s delegation comprised Dr Kemi Amure, Osa Konyeha, and Kolawole Ojelabi. The RTEAN team was led by Comrade Lasisi Taiwo.

The engagement is part of ongoing efforts by the Lagos State Government to develop a more organised, technology-driven and commuter-focused public transport system.

Both parties are expected to resume negotiations next week as discussions continue towards reaching a formal agreement on the reform agenda.