BY olasunkanmi akoni

The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority, LAMATA, management of Bus Rapid Transit, BRT, in collaboration with its partners, will commence the pilot phase of e-ticketing system on its BRT, today.

Meanwhile, men of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, have been charged to maintain high level of discipline, respect for the public and cautiousness while performing their duties and maintain excellent service delivery.

LAMATA, at a one-day stakeholders’ forum said that starting from  June 6, it will commence operation of e-ticketing on BRT, where commuters can purchase a smart card loaded with unit from designated outlets and use as fare on the bus to their destinations.

The initiative, according Managing Director of LAMATA, Mr. Dayo Mobereola, is to make transportation simplified, increase revenue through wider coverage as well as reduced operational cost, easy monitoring of transaction, among others.

Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State had expressed displeasure at the unfriendly attitude LASTMA officials are often accused of.

On LASTMA, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Transportation and the Director General Public Service Staff Development Centre, PSSDC, Lagos, Mr. Oluseyi Coker and Mrs. Olubunmi Fabamwo, respectively gave the charge in their separate addresses on at a one day training programme for 100 LASTMA officers, themed; “Excellent Service Delivery,” held at PSSDC Secretariat in Magodo, Lagos.

Addressing the over 1,000 public servants at the prayer session held for the re-elected administration, Fashola warned LASTMA and the Kick against Indiscipline KAI Brigade to respect the dignity of the citizens of the state or be forced out of the service.

The governor noted that it was not right for men of the LASTMA and KAI to confiscate wares of the citizens or brutalise motorists in whatever manner as was the usual practice of the officers.

The governor also reminded them to discharge their duties within the dictates of the order given to them by the government, adding that they ought to carry out their duties with respect for the citizens’ dignity and passion.

However, at the flag off of the one day training, Coker noted that LASTMA was created over 10 years ago as part of objectives to have transportation system that is efficient, affordable and public friendly, “it’s takes a serious and visionary government to  know challenges and turn them into opportunities.”