Safety measures as Gov. Sanwo-Olu launches LAGOS RIDE

Safety measures as Gov. Sanwo-Olu launches LAGOS RIDE

Here are the safety measures to consider as Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State on Wednesday, 23rd March, officially launched 1,000 vehicles for the newly-introduced taxi scheme codenamed “LAGOS RIDE”.

Sanwo-Olu made the remark, at the official launch of a security fitted apparatus, safe, comfortable and modernised taxi scheme with the rollout of the first batch of 1,000 brand-new GAC automobiles at the State House in Alausa, Ikeja.

The ride hailing taxi initiative, which is being operated on a lease-to-own basis, is a component of the State Government’s multimodal transportation blueprint being executed under the traffic management and transportation pillar of the THEMES agenda of the Sanwo-Olu administration.

The initiative is a partnership between Lagos State-owned IBILE Holding Limited and CIG Motors Company Limited, with the objective to provide clean and reliable means of taxis movement across the metropolis at affordable cost.

Operators are required to pay about N1.9 million down payment, of which the sum covers the 20 per cent equity of cost of vehicle, registration and insurance.

Each car being used in the scheme comes with technology-enabled security features that monitor every journey undertaken.

Sanwo-Olu, while launching the scheme, said the State had moved another step forward in its drive to develop an efficient transportation model in tune with modernity and comfort.

He said the aim was not to run existing hailing ride operators out of the business, but to offer safer alternative and clear the roads of rickety cars being used for taxi business.

The scheme, he said, will provide opportunities to the operators to become owners of the vehicles within three to four years period.

He said: “The need to ease mobility, provide better, dignifying and more rewarding means of transportation and livelihood for unemployed and underemployed population gave birth to the new ‘Lagos State Taxi Scheme’, which will be operated on a lease-to-own basis.

“Under this arrangement, a beneficiary will be provided a brand new car which will become the driver’s property after completion of the payment of the vehicle’s subsidised cost.

“This taxi scheme will complement the various bus services which are making significant impact in the lives of our people.

Registration and enrolment fee has been accepted from 359 drivers, while others were awaiting screening, Amokomowo said.

He said: “As part of the process each operator will go through for the safety and security of life and effective operations of the scheme, we will conduct full verification of applicants’ Lagos State Drivers’ Institute (LASDRI) ID cards, medical history, background check and verification of NIN and Lagos resident registration numbers.”

The launch of the taxi scheme was received with a warm embrace by ride hailing drivers, who described the initiative as “unique, better alternative”.

First Lagos Ride Driver

Sam Mfuk, who is the first successful driver to get onboard of the scheme, said: “When we first heard about LAGOS RIDE, we were sceptical.

“But, when we attended the stakeholders’ meetings, we changed our minds. LAGOS RIDE has become the answer to our prayers in ride hailing sector.

“The details and features they shared with us were clearly thought out and our input was well included in the final model.”

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