The Lagos State Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) has announced that from August 1, commuters who pay cash on regulated buses will face prosecution. This move is to enforce the state's cashless policy on public transportation.
Enforcement Details
According to a statement by LAMATA, the enforcement will target all commuters using regulated bus services under the LAMATA franchise. Defaulters will be prosecuted in accordance with the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law. The authority urged passengers to use cashless payment options such as Cowry cards, bank transfers, or other approved digital payment methods.
Impact on Commuters
The regulation aims to improve transparency and efficiency in public transport. Commuters have been advised to familiarize themselves with available cashless options. The authority also warned bus operators not to accept cash payments to avoid legal consequences. "We are committed to a seamless and secure transport system. Cashless transactions reduce risks and improve accountability," said the LAMATA Managing Director in the statement.
The Lagos State Government has been pushing for cashless transactions across various sectors to align with global trends. The enforcement on buses is part of broader efforts to modernize the state's public transport infrastructure.
