Bus drivers & Okada Riders hike fares due to Third Mainland Bridge Repairs

As the repairs on the Third Mainland Bridge began on Monday, passengers had a hectic time going to the Island as major Lagos roads  were completely blocked for hours.

Few commercial drivers that plied the roads cashed in on the situation to increase their fares.

In some cases, fares were hiked by between 25 and 50 per cent depending on the routes.

The ferry service also profited from the situation as a lot of people got to the Island through the waterways.

Parts of Third Mainland Bridge were cordoned off, causing traffic congestion on the bridge and the alternative routes connecting the mainland to Lagos Island.

Punch correspondent, who visited Obalende, observed that fares went up between 25 and 50 per cent as commercial bus drivers tried to minimise their losses.

It was learnt that the Obalende – Ketu route which normally cost about N150, rose to between N200 and N250 while Obalende to Agege rose to N300 from the former N200.

Chinedu Christopher, who drives a 22-seater bus along the Obalende-Ikeja route, told PUNCH Metro that apart from the inconveniences of the congestion, higher fuel consumption was what led commercial bus drivers to increase their fares.

He said, “I spent over three hours from Estate Bus-Stop, Oworonshoki Expressway to Obalende. I burnt so much fuel because of the alternative routes I had to pass. Also, there were some accidents on the way as some vehicles broke down due to overheating thereby worsening the situation.

“My legs are aching and I don’t think I can work the usual length of time I do on a normal day because of the stress. I used to convey passengers at N200 but now I charge N300.”

Well....Na Lagos Life be that

Do you have any experience of this Price hike, share with us ...