Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Wednesday unveiled 1,000 brand new saloons and sports utility vehicles, as the pilot vehicles of the Lagos ride taxi scheme, otherwise known as LAGRIDE.
The e-hailing taxi scheme is part of a joint venture between the state government and a Chinese car Manufacturing Company, which also include the establishment of a car assembling plant in Lagos
Speaking at the event at the Lagos House, Ikeja, Sanwo-Olu described the scheme as a promise fulfilled as the scheme was part of his administration’s plan of enhancing mobility suitable for the megacity status of Lagos.
He noted that the modern ride service is also part of his government’s socio-economic intervention programmes as prospective drivers are allowed to pay for the vehicles in installment over a period of four years.
Sanwo-Olu urged the Chinese Car manufacturing Company to increase the capacity of its car assembling plant which is almost completed in the State.
He said Lagos is already moving from the era of rickety vehicles for transportation to use of safe modern vehicles
Sanwo-Olu stated that the scheme would create jobs, accelerate socio-economic growth and further put the state on the global map as the Centre of Excellence and a modern megacity committed to sustainable development.
Besides, he noted that the new taxi scheme is to further ensure seamless transportation system for teeming commuting populace in the state.
“The scheme is in fulfilment of our desire to give residents better transportation choices in line with multimodal transport systems which key to our THEMES Agenda.
“The modern ride service is one of the state government’s socio-economic intervention programmes, which will be professionally managed in line with global best practices,” Sanwo-Olu said.
The governor called on private organizations and individuals to join hands with it to increase the number of the vehicles for the scheme.
He disclosed that all the drivers that would be engage for the scheme would be given android phone loaded with various apps to facilitate effective operation.
The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Cui Jianchun, challenged the Lagos State government to invest more in rail transportation to decongest traffic on Lagos roads.
Commissioner for Transportation, Dr Frederic Oladeinde, stated that the vehicles are equipped with security cameras, connected to the control room of the state emergency management agency, LASEMA, to ensure prompt communication in case of emergencies during each ride.
Oladeinde revealed that to reduce cost of riding, a ride sharing option had been imputed in the Lagride application, which is already live on the various app download platforms.
