Commercial drivers have taken a cue from traders who has increased the cost of goods by increasing the cost of transportation in various areas thereby causing many passengers to be stranded across the Lagos state, Southwest Nigeria.
The drivers attributed the increase in price to the ongoing Eid El-Kabir celebration.
P.M.NEWS investigation revealed that areas mostly affected are Mushin to Yaba, Oshodi to Iyana Ipaja, Dopemu and Sango Otta in Ogun State. Other areas affected include Oshodi to Mile 2, Apapa, Ojo area of the state.
Cele bus stop to Ejigbo, Ikotun, Iyana Ipaja to Idimu, Igando, LASU were also affected.
Our correspondent findings revealed that from Oshodi to Sango which usually cost between N150 to N200 has increased between N300 to N400.
While from the Oshodi to Iyana Ipaja which usually cost N100 is now N200. From Iyana Ipaja to Iyana Iba which cost N200 was increased to N300 and Cele to Ejigbo, Ikotun now cost N300 to N350 from between N150 to N200.
This is also applicable in other areas of state. The sudden increase in cost of transportation has caused scarcity of commercial vehicles and many passengers to be stranded at various bus stop in Lagos.
PM News gathered that many Muslim commercial drivers will not work as they join others to celebrate the festivities while some of their colleagues who are of other religion will celebrate with their Muslim colleagues.
Some drivers have also suspended work until after the festival P.M. NEWS learnt. A driver who gave his name as Femi Jones said there was nothing strange about the increase as it has been the norm over the years.
“Every year during the festivities we increase the transport fare because we have to cash in on the opportunity. You know many of our colleagues won’t work today and for this reason those of us working must make the most of it,” he said.
He noted that same will happen in December when Christians are celebrating. “Christmas, New Year or Sallah are good times for business and we look forward to it,” he said.
Jones said the prices of goods and services increase and so it affects transportation in the state. He also explained that during such festival, some motorists stay at their homes to celebrate with their family and that the drivers working will increase their fare because of the number of passengers available.
Some passengers PM News spoke to said they have no option than to pay whatever charge the drivers bill them as it is important that they get to their destination.
credit: PMNewNigeria
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