By HENRY OLADELE and OLUWASEUN NUBIE

Some transport operators in Lagos have expressed concern over the low passenger turnout ahead of the Easter celebrations, attributing the development to rising fuel costs and economic hardship.

The operators expressed their worries during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Thursday.

Mr Christian Omoh, Manager of Bonnyway Transport, Jibowu branch, told NAN that passenger traffic had dropped significantly compared to the same period in the previous year.

Omoh noted that the high cost of diesel, which he put at about N1,800 to N1,900 per litre, had forced transporters to increase fares, thereby discouraging many travellers.

“Last year, we were charging about N20,000 to N21,000 to the eastern part of the country, but now fares range between N30,000 and N35,000.

“This has affected movement as many people can no longer afford to travel compared to last year. The turnout this year has been very low,” he said.

He noted that transport operators who would typically load two to three buses daily during festive periods were now struggling to fill even half a bus.

“The economy is affecting everything. We have seen only a few passengers today, unlike last year, when there was heavy movement,” Omoh added.

He appealed to the Federal Government to intervene by reducing the price of diesel and address the high cost of vehicle maintenance.

“If diesel price comes down, transport fares will also reduce. The cost of spare parts is also high. We need government support,” he said.

Also speaking, Mr Ajayioba Gabriel, Branch Manager of Chisco Transport Nigeria Ltd., on his part, stated that the usual Easter rush, had yet to begin, noting that passenger movement remained low.

“We have not been having much traffic, it is just normal movement. Compared to previous years, the rush has not started,” he said.

Gabriel attributed the situation to the rising cost of fuel, which he said, had significantly increased operational expenses.

“Fueling a bus now costs between N600,000 and N700,000. Diesel has risen from about N850 per litre to over N1,900, which is more than a 100 per cent increase,” he said.

He explained that transport fares had been adjusted in line with rising costs, with the luxury bus fares jumping from N35,000 to N40,000 on some routes.

“For Lagos to the East, fares have risen from about N25,000 to N30,000, to as high as N37,000 for newer vehicles,” he said.

Gabriel argued that many Nigerians were opting not to travel due to the high cost in transportation, stressing that transport operators were also struggling to break even.

“Transporters are running at a loss, when you compare operational costs with returns. People are complaining and it is not easy for anyone,” he said.

He urged the government to address challenges in the petroleum sector, including ensuring adequate supply of crude oil to local refineries to reduce fuel prices.

“Government should take necessary steps to reduce fuel costs, so that life can be easier for Nigerians,” Gabriel said.

Meanwhile, some travellers also decried the sharp increase in inter-state transport fares, saying the development had disrupted their travel plans.

A cross-section of passengers who also spoke with NAN, said that the high cost of fares driven by rising fuel prices, had made it difficult for many to travel.

Mr Chinedu Okafor, a trader heading to Enugu, said he was shocked at the current fares, which he noted, had almost doubled, compared to last year.

“Last year, I travelled to the East for about N20,000, but now, I am being asked to pay between N30,000 and N35,000.

“It is not easy at all. Many people are reconsidering their trips because of this,” he said.

Similarly, Miss Chioma Onyebuchi, a business woman, said she had to cancel her Easter travel plans, due to the high cost of transportation.

“I wanted to travel to see my family in Imo, but the fare is too high for me. I have decided to stay back in Lagos this year,” she said.

Another traveller, Mr Kehinde Bello, described the situation as unfortunate, noting that festive periods were usually characterised by mass movement of people.

“Normally, by this time, motor parks would be very busy, but everywhere is relatively calm because people cannot afford the fares,” he said.

Some passengers also expressed concern over the frequent increase in fares, calling on the government to intervene in the rising cost of fuel.

According to them, unless urgent measures are taken to address the situation, more Nigerians may be forced to defer travel plans during festive periods. (NAN)

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