Some transport operators in Lagos including the state owned Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) on Thursday said they were not part of the arrangement with the Nigeria Union of Road Transport Workers to reduce transport fares during the February 23 elections.
The operators, which also include operator of the Bus Rapid Transit, Primero Transport Services Limited, said they only agreed to make their services available during the elections in line with the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) on Wednesday announced a 50 per cent reduction in transport fares on all routes for passengers that would be travelling for the elections.
But the Managing Director of LASWA, Oluwadamilola Emanuel, said there was no slash in the fares of boat and ferry services.
“This is a private business owned by individuals; we are only regulating their operations to maintain the laid down standards.
“But, we will ensure there is availability of boats to convey people on election duties to their various locations during the elections,” he said.
Also, the Chairman, Bus Rapid Transport Association of Nigeria, Role Odukale, said that the association was not involved in the fare slash for the elections.
“We don’t want to be partisan, but the plan is on to make our services available to those on election duty,” Odukale added.
Also, Lagos Railway District Manager, Jerry Oche, said that there would be no slash in its fare for passengers travelling by train during elections.
“There is no plan by the Corporation to slash the price of the train, but we will give effective service to those that will need our services,” Oche said.
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