LAMATA To Prosecute Commuters Paying Cash On Regulated Bus Services From August 1

The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) has announced that commuters who pay cash to board regulated bus services in Lagos will face arrest and prosecution beginning August 1, 2026, as the agency intensifies enforcement of its cashless fare payment policy.

LAMATA said the move expands existing enforcement measures, which have previously targeted bus drivers and ground staff caught collecting cash fares. According to the agency, several offenders have already been arrested, prosecuted, and, in some cases, convicted for violating the policy.

The authority explained that the collection of cash fares within the regulated bus system constitutes an economic crime against the state because it undermines the integrity of the electronic fare collection system, deprives operators of legitimate revenue, and threatens the sustainability of public transport services.

LAMATA noted that regulated bus operators have consistently raised concerns over the financial impact of cash fare collections, stating that revenue losses have affected their ability to purchase spare parts, maintain buses, restore grounded vehicles to operation, and meet critical obligations, including the payment of workers’ salaries.

To support compliance with the policy, the agency said commuters can obtain the Cowry Card at designated bus terminals as well as at the Blue and Red Line train stations, where electronic fare payments are accepted.

The authority reaffirmed its commitment to improving public transportation across Lagos by ensuring that more buses remain operational and that commuters enjoy safer, more reliable, and efficient transport services.

According to LAMATA, protecting fare revenue is essential for operators to recover operating costs, maintain serviceable fleets, and improve service delivery across the regulated transport network.

The agency urged all passengers to comply with the cashless payment system by using only approved electronic payment channels and encouraged commuters to report any driver or transport staff who requests or accepts cash payments.