By Promise Eze
The Lagos state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has launched Lagos state’s first ever electric buses which is part of the Lagos Mass Transit Master Plan.
In a statement on Twitter, the governor announced that with the initiative on ground, Lagosians should expect cleaner and greener transportation.
He wrote: “I am excited to announce the first set of electric buses in the Lagos Mass Transit Master Plan as part of our increased effort to modernise every sector of Lagos. Thanks to our partnership with @Oando_PLC, Lagosians can expect a cleaner and greener public transportation system.
“With the ability to travel 280km at full charge, taking into account our unique travel times in Lagos, our electric buses are a game-changer. With an average daily usage of 200km by existing BRTs, there is no need to fear that the buses can stop while in transit.
“Our new electric buses will not only reduce carbon emissions but will also increase efficiency. This means that Lagosians can say goodbye to high fuel costs and hello to cost-efficient transportation. We shall be running a pilot scheme over the next few months to gather sufficient data required to analyse the operational efficiencies relative to the current BRT buses to further improve our public transport service.
“This collaboration is a testament to our commitment to creating a sustainable future for Lagos.
“We understand the need for charging stations to power our electric buses, which is why we are partnering with Oando Clean Energy Limited to strategically place Universal Chargers at public places like malls and gas stations. We also plan to establish an Assembly Plant for Electric Buses in the near future.
“This is just the beginning of our efforts to transform Lagos into an even smarter city as we continue to increase our fleet of electric vehicles, further modernizing the Lagos transportation system.
“Join us in embracing the future of mobility in Lagos.”
I am excited to announce the first set of electric buses in the Lagos Mass Transit Master Plan as part of our increased effort to modernise every sector of Lagos. Thanks to our partnership with @Oando_PLC, Lagosians can expect a cleaner and greener public transportation system.… pic.twitter.com/4swo4R2fBS
— Babajide Sanwo-Olu (@jidesanwoolu) April 30, 2023
Recall that few days ago the Chairman Oando Clean Energy Limited, Adewale Tinubu, announced the arrival of the electric buses.
According to him the project “underscores the African saying, ‘If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.’ Public-Private Partnerships have been critical to getting the project to this point and will continue to fuel our expansion across Nigeria.”
“The arrival of our electric mass transit buses and development of an EV infrastructure ecosystem is a reminder that the only way to remain ahead of the curve is by being unafraid to break new ground and consistently looking for opportunities to leapfrog,” he wrote.
1/4 The arrival of our electric mass transit buses and development of an EV infrastructure ecosystem is a reminder that the only way to remain ahead of the curve is by being unafraid to break new ground and consistently looking for opportunities to leapfrog. pic.twitter.com/muJ1bmIyLC
— Wale Tinubu CON (@AdewaleTinubu) April 27, 2023
