Lagos App-based Drivers Seek Good Policy

The Nigeria Union of Professional App-based Transport Workers (NUPABTW) has urged the Lagos State Government to initiate policies to make ride hailing business a win-win platform for all players.

Mr Ibrahim Ayoade, NUPABTW President, gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Tuesday.

Ayoade said that ‘Lagos Ride’ was a welcome initiative from the government because it has brought job opportunities for youths in the state.

He said that Lagos State Government should reduce the commission charged on each trip to encourage drivers and force other private players to reduce theirs too.

“Reduction in commission charges will go a long way in making this initiative a success.

”It is difficult for a driver to have any tangible money left after paying bank charges on equity, pay road development levy, service his car and pay commission which is above 20 per cent.

“We want reduction in commission starting from ‘Lagos Ride’ to other private ride-hailing platforms operating in Lagos state,” he said.

The union president further said that the government should not position itself as a competitor, so as to create level playing field for investors.

“Government does not have business in business; they can only make policies that will bring development in business.

“Past involvement of governments like red cab failed because of unfavorable structure and policies.

“We need policies that will reduce Lagos traffic, bad roads, safety of drivers and proper profiling of riders in the state,” he said.

NAN reports that Lagos Ride Scheme is an innovative policy of Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration.

It is targeted at making life easier for citizens, improve mobility and create seamless multimodal transportation system.(NAN)