By; MATTHEW UKACHUNWA, Lagos
Lagos State government, by means of its Intelligent Transport System (ITS), “has focused on the optimization of its transport network through the identification of 60 gridlock traffic signalization, completion of 431 kilometres of road marking from 2019 to the present time, and painting of 1,513,487 kilometres kerb, among others.”
The state’s Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Frederic Oladeinde, stated this while expressing satisfaction with the completion of the first phase of Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) Blue Line Rail.
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, launched the completion of the Blue Line Rail on Wednesday December 21, 2022.
Narrating the efforts of the governor to ensure the successes of the rail project, Oladeinde said, “About three and a half years ago when the present administration came into office, Mr. Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu enunciated his vision for the development of the state in the T.H.E.M.E.S developmental agenda.
“As the officer responsible for the first pillar of the agenda, that is; Traffic Management and Transportation, I can attest to the passion of Mr. Governor in the area of our core competence to keeping Lagos moving.
“The launch of the completion of infrastructure for the first phase of the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) Blue Line rail is a confirmation of Mr. Governor’s expounded vision for public transportation.”
According to the transport commissioner, in the last three and a half years, and with the support of the governor, the transportation ministry has improved 41 junctions, which have significantly reduced congestion within the identified localities, thereby promoting economic growth for both formal and informal sectors.
He pointed out that thirteen other junctions are currently under improvement while six others are at concept design stage of improvement.
“Mr. Governor in his quest to ensure effective and efficient management of traffic within the state, reduce road crashes and enhance free flow of traffic for its economic prosperity, graciuosly gave approval for the recruitment of additional 1,000 LASTMA personnel, a development which has reduced traffic infractions by 60% as well as enhanced recovery process by 87%,” Oladeinde declared.
He said that the Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS) in the administration of Sanwo-Olu now has an operational headquarters, while “the MVAA now has more One Stop centres across the state to make vehicle administration easily accessible to the general public,”
In addition, the Lagos State Parking Authority started operation and Lagos State Drivers Institute has significantly improved on driver’s education.
The State Government has also taken over the management of the gridlock that has come to characterize Apapa from the Presidential Task Force in a bid to improve the traffic situation within Apapa, Oladeinde disclosed.
He said that to improve traffic enforcement and service delivery, the Ministry has installed 24 fixed and 10 mobile cameras across the state to ensure compliance with road traffic laws and minimize physical interactions between motorists and the law enforcement officers thereby bringing about a drastic reduction of attacks on enforcement officers.
“Under Mr. Governor’s watch, the ministry has deployed AutoVIN Technology to eliminate multiple vehicle registration, improve vehicle security in the state and enhance accident investigation.
“There are now 29 computerized vehicle inspection centres across the state.
“We now manage, coordinate, and regulate e-hailing services in a bid to promote safety, security of lives and property,” the commissioner for transportation emphasized.
He stated that in the area of public transportation, his ministry has deployed high capacity, medium and First and Last Mile buses, enhanced water transportation, fixed bad roads, expanded Bus Rapid Transit network and decongested traffic by connecting more communities with new link roads and bridges.
“In the search for cleaner energy in public transport, the state is in the forefront of driving sustainable mobility with the deployment of 10 buses running on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) since September 2022 as a pilot project with the objective of collecting data for informed investment decision in such vehicles, the commissioner announced.
“This is being carried out with a mission to reducing pollution associated with public transport, improve the health condition of the people as well as enhance private sector partnership in regulated public transport.
“I will not fail to mention the salutary effect of the restriction of motorcycles operations in the state, he said, adding: “The policy has recorded significant reduction in crime and accident rates by 78 per cent, emission and other environmental pollution caused by motorcycle operations.”
He thanked the governor for sticking to his promise to Lagosians that the infrastructure for the first phase of the Lagos Rail mass Transit Blue Line rail (Marina – Mile 2) would be completed in the last quarter of this year.
The commissioner expressed confidence that the Blue Line Rail Mass Transit system will reduce travel time on the corridor of operation, create more jobs, enhance partnership with the private sector and change the lifestyle of the people.
