March 31, 2022

Mr Jarvis Balogun, Controller, Ikeja Bus Terminal in Lagos, on Thursday said that buses operating in the terminal commute no fewer than 5,000 passengers daily.

Balogun disclosed this when officials of the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, state House of Assembly members, tour operators and tourism stakeholders visited the  terminal.

This is part of a 3-day familiarisation tour organised by the ministry to enable stakeholders market the tourism sites in the state to local and international tourists.

The theme of the tour is, “bestoflagosfamtour22”.

Balogun noted that the terminal had the capacity to convey over 10,000 commuters daily.

“We convey over 5,000 commuters on a daily basis but we have the capacity to convey over 10,000 commuters.

“Since the commissioning of this mega project, it has been a smooth ride,” he said.

He said that the terminal operated 10 different routes within Lagos, including Obalende, Ayobo, Iyana-Ipaja, Egbeda, Ikotun, Ikorodu, Igando, Alausa and Ogba.

He noted that the transport system was working tirelessly on acquiring the intelligence transport system through which buses could be tracked anywhere and get fixed whenever they develop mechanical fault.

He also disclosed that there were plans for the bus terminal to synergise with the rail stations to ensure seemless transport system in Lagos so as to  boost tourism activities.

“We have hand scanners to inspect individuals trying to gain entrance into the terminal but we have not acquired gadgets that would enable them detect drug peddlers.

“We are working on getting more security gadgets,” he said.

Earlier, Mrs Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf, Commissioner for Tourism,  Arts and Culture,  said it was important visiting the bus terminal to keep tourism stakeholders abreast of its  operations.

She noted that seemless transportation within the  state contributes to the growth of tourism business. (NAN)