GOVERNOR Babajide Sanwo-Olu has kicked off the state hailing scheme, Lagos Ride with 1,000 new GAC branded cars to be deployed for the state taxi scheme.
The taxi scheme, which would be deployed across the state would be a ride hailing service, with the aim to provide better service compared to present hailing services in terms of comfort, security and safety.
Sanwo-Olu, while launching the initiative, said it was another historical moment for the state and fulfillment of election promises.
According to him, the state government would also be part of such initiatives, especially because the state has continued to be home to many teaming youths who are looking for hopes.
The governor said people might not like his face and that of his team but they cannot distrust their programmes and projects.
He said his administration has moved another step forward in its drive to develop an efficient transportation model.
Sanwo-Olu said: “The need to provide better, dignifying and more rewarding means of transportation and livelihood for unemployed and underemployed population gave birth to the new ‘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; the water transport service, which is recording unprecedented patronage, as well as the Blue and Red Line Rail services which are on course to commence commercial operations between the last quarter of this year and the first quarter of 2023.”
Sanwo-Olu said a full security gadget, including a 360 dashboard camera that will give 24-hour audio-visual feeds to the control centre, had been pre-installed on each car deployed for the scheme to improve riders’ and passengers’ security.
He added that each car came with a physical panic button that could be used by anyone on board in case of assault or emergency. The panic button, the Governor said, is also on the mobile application and is connected to the Control and Command Centre.
The governor further said that with the support that the state government has provided the CIG motors, he expects that the company would double the capacity of assembly plant in the state.
Sanwo-Olu: “What we are witnessing today is that, Lagos is moving away from the era of rickety kabu kabu to brand-new, comfortable and safe transport system. The multiplier effect of this singular initiative on job creation, youth employment and economic growth and development in the State cannot be overstated.”
On his part, the Commissioners for Transportation, Dr. Frederic Oladehinde, described the scheme as “another milestone achievement” by the state government, noting that the initiative had joined an array of other innovative solutions initiated in the transport sector, which were targeted at redefining public transportation.
He said the technology on which the scheme is operated had made ride-sharing possible for passengers, who would agree to share ride and share transit costs.
The Chairman of CIG Motors in Nigeria, Diana Chang, said the roadmap for the urbanisation of the transportation system in the state started in November 2019 when the governor and members of his cabinet visited the Republic of China for bilateral partnership. The launch, she said, is the glorious end of the partnership sealed with Chinese investors.
“We are using this partnership to promote a Greater Lagos where opportunities abound for citizens of the State, while creating a win-win model for all stakeholders,” she said.
The Managing Director of IBILE Holding, Abiodun Amokomowo, said over 5,700 drivers had downloaded the driver’s mobile apps as at last Tuesday, out of which 1,786 drivers submitted applications.
According to him, “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’ the State Drivers’ Institute (LASDRI) ID cards, medical history, background check and verification of NIN and the state resident registration numbers.”
