By Desire Emmanuel
As preparations for the Yuletide celebrations gather pace, commuters in Lagos State are currently facing unprecedented transport fare hikes, worsening the cost-of-living pressures in the state.
In many instances, fares to major parts of the metropolis have surged sharply, with many routes recording increases of over 100 per cent, making many commuters to bemoan their fate.
Situations at some bus stops and other routes showed that transport fares have doubled compared with what commuters used to pay before the onset of the festive period.
For example, investigations carried out by Impact Nigeria News Online indicate that a trip from Berger to Ikeja, formerly ₦300–₦400, now costs between ₦700 and ₦800 on Friday and Saturday and may even cost more before Christmas.
Also, fares from Berger to Oshodi, previously ₦400–₦500, climbed to as high as ₦1,000 on Friday and Saturday and there are indications that they may be higher during Christmas and New Year.
Other destinations, including Yaba, CMS and Obalende, have also witnessed steep increases, with fares rising by at least 100 per cent.
Many commuters who bemoaned their fate revealed that the escalating transport costs have significantly disrupted their daily budgets and reduced funds available for other necessities.
One of them, Mr Akinwale Ojo, said the fare hikes had eaten deeply into his income, making it difficult to plan for the festivities.
“Transport now takes a large part of my salary. What I used to spend in a week now lasts just two or three days,” Ojo said.
“On December 19, I paid ₦500 from Seven-Up to Berger bus stop instead of the usual ₦200. It is sad and discouraging,” he said.
Another commuter, Mrs Comfort Onwa, a trader, said fares from Berger to Obalende have continued to climb in spite of earlier adjustments.
“After fuel prices went up, the fare rose from ₦700 to ₦1,000. On Friday, it was ₦1,400 and we don’t know how it will be on Christmas Eve,” she said
She described the situation as distressing, saying, “It is painful and saddening. People are suffering and getting frustrated every day.”
However, speaking on the situation, some of the transport operators attributed the rising fares to increasing operational costs and the challenge of remaining afloat in the business.
A National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) official at the Berger axis said operators were under intense pressure to stay in business.
According to him, unions approved fare adjustments to reflect prevailing economic realities confronting drivers and vehicle owners.
“The cost of fuel, spare parts and vehicle maintenance has increased sharply and it has nothing to do with the Yuletide. Drivers also spend longer hours in traffic, burning fuel, and this affects their daily returns,” the union official said.
Some commercial bus drivers also echoed the concerns, saying maintaining old fares was no longer feasible.
A driver, who gave his name simply as Sadiq, said, “We are not happy about increasing fares, but fuel prices and repairs are too high.
“Sometimes we spend hours in traffic, burning fuel. At the end of the day, there is little left. Don’t forget, we also want to celebrate the festive season with our families and we must give them money,” he said.
