10th October, 2017
By Kazeem Ugbodaga
The Lagos State Government on Tuesday unveiled the newly constructed Alapere Lay-by to decongest traffic on Lagos-Oworonshoki expressway.
Unveiling the new lay-by at Estate Bus stop, inward Oworonshoki, Acting Commissioner for Transportation, Prince Anofiu Elegushi said the construction of lay-bys across the state was part of the programme of the current administration aimed at decongesting traffic across the metropolis.
He said the state government was determined to unlock gridlock in major areas in the state, adding that the new lay-by would accommodate 30 buses.
Elegushi added that government wanted to prevent unnecessary dropping of passengers on highways by commercial bus operators, which was another reason behind the construction of the lay-by.
He urged commercial bus drivers and the general public to make good use of the facility and not turn it to mechanic workshop or an abode for all sorts of illegal activities as the state government would not fold its arms and watch any illegal activities that would defeat the purpose for which the facilities were provided to thrive on the lay-by or any other infrastructure in the state.
However, the acting commissioner disclosed that the Bus reform initiative of the state government would kick-off around October 2018, saying that the initiative would change the transportation landscape in the state.
Elegushi said the bus initiative would lead to the injection of 5,000 brand new buses into the system to befit a mega city like Lagos.
Corporate Relations Manager, Planet Project Limited, Olubunmi Goodluck said the essence of the lay-by was to reduce traffic on the expressway.
She said the lay-by had a walk-way which is two metres wide , bus shelter, lighting, among others.