Lagos, a bustling metropolis in Nigeria, has set a target of achieving zero-carbon emissions by 2050.
To accomplish this goal, the city has implemented significant policies such as the five-year Climate Action Plan (CAP) 2020-2025.
In addition, Lagos is exploring alternative solutions like electric buses to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The transportation sector is responsible for over 60 percent of greenhouse gas emissions in the state, making electric buses a viable and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional buses like the BRTs and the iconic yellow Danfo buses.
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The Brain Behind the Electric Buses Intiative
This initiative is the result of a partnership between Oando Clean Energy Limited (OCEL) and the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA).
While concerns about electric buses navigating Lagos traffic may arise, these buses can travel up to 280 kilometers (km) before requiring a recharge.
With a full charge, passengers can make round trips from Oshodi to Obalende, covering approximately 26.4km, about five times before the buses need to be recharged.
Currently, there are only two electric buses operating in Lagos, serving the Oshodi to Obalende and Oshodi to Ikorodu routes.
According to Oando, these buses are being used as a test run and proof-of-concept phase to determine the feasibility of electric vehicles for mass transportation in Lagos State.
The insights gained from this phase will inform an expanded program throughout the country. The fares for the electric buses are the same as those for regular BRTs.
Kola Ojelabi, the public relations officer for LAMATA, stated,
“We are still in the proof-of-concept phase, so we cannot introduce differential fares until we gather the necessary data to guide us.”
When asked about plans to replace regular BRTs with electric buses in the future, Ojelabi added, “The next step will depend on the results of the proof-of-concept phase.”
Embracing Electric Buses
This year, Nigeria’s inflation rate rose to 22.27%. Following the recent removal of fuel subsidies, many commuters have faced difficulties in accessing public transport due to increased fare prices.
Duncan Byencit, a senior associate researcher at Cleantech Hub, believes that adopting electric vehicles for mass transit could alleviate commuters’ concerns.
Byencit suggests that using electric buses as mass transit in Lagos would provide a more affordable option, as electric vehicles are three times more efficient and require minimal maintenance compared to conventional vehicles.
Byencit asserts that electric buses could also contribute to reducing traffic congestion and carbon emissions in Lagos.
She stated, “Most of the emissions in Lagos come from small cars, so transitioning to mass transit buses would be beneficial. It would not only reduce traffic but also decrease emissions released into the environment.”
While electric buses hold significant potential, Nigeria’s poor maintenance culture presents a challenge.
Byencit emphasizes that if these buses are adequately maintained by drivers and those responsible, they can be highly sustainable.
Conclusion
While Oando and LAMATA continue to test and evaluate the electric buses, Byencit remains optimistic about nationwide adoption.
She sees Lagos taking a bold step forward, hoping that other states will follow suit, enabling a state-by-state adoption process.
Ultimately, Byencit concludes that the government should take on the responsibility of promoting and implementing electric buses.
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