Lagos Bans Military Officers, Private Cars from Using BRT Corridor

The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority has reaffirmed that the Bus Rapid Transit lane is exclusively reserved for authorized buses and vehicles, emphasizing that unauthorized use by individuals, including military personnel and local government buses, is strictly prohibited.

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This clarification was provided in a statement released by Kolawole Ojelabi, the agency's Head of Corporate Communication, on Wednesday, amidst growing concerns about the increasing misuse of the BRT corridor across the state.

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According to LAMATA, only BRT buses and vehicles operating under franchises regulated by the authority are permitted to use the lane, with the exception of emergency response vehicles, such as fire trucks and ambulances, when responding to emergencies.

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The agency expressed alarm over the blatant disregard for the regulation by unauthorized users, including some military personnel, para-military agencies, local government, and Local Council Development Area buses, as well as private vehicles.

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LAMATA noted that the BRT lane was introduced to provide fast, reliable, and safe mass transit for commuters, warning that illegal usage disrupts operations and poses a risk to road users.

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Unauthorized use of the BRT lane, the authority stated, not only disrupts scheduled operations but also endangers passengers and other road users, contributes to traffic congestion, and undermines the progress made in improving urban mobility across Lagos State.

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The authority emphasized that enforcement of the regulation would be intensified, with offenders facing sanctions regardless of their status, and penalties may include fines, impoundment of vehicles, and other legal sanctions.

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LAMATA urged all road users, including security agencies and government bodies, to respect the integrity of the BRT system and comply fully with established regulations.

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The agency reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining order, safety, and efficiency across the state's transport system, and stressed that all offenders would be apprehended and prosecuted in accordance with the relevant traffic laws of Lagos State.