Sanwo-Olu launches 1,000 vehicles for LAGOS RIDE taxi scheme

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has unveiled 1,000 cars for the newly established taxi system dubbed “LAGOS RIDE,” claiming that it would improve people’ mobility and convenience of conducting business in the state.

Sanwo-Olu made the comment at the State House in Alausa, Ikeja, on Wednesday, during the formal inauguration of a security-equipped, secure, pleasant, and modernized taxi service with the deployment of the first batch of 1,000 brand-new GAC autos.

The lease-to-own ride hailing taxi program is part of the State Government’s multimodal transportation design, which is being implemented under the traffic management and transportation pillar of the Sanwo-Olu administration’s THEMES agenda.

N1.9m

The venture is a collaboration between Lagos State-owned IBILE Holding Limited and CIG Motors Company Limited, with the goal of providing a clean and economical taxi service across the city.

Operators must submit a down payment of roughly N1.9 million, which includes the 20% equity of the vehicle’s cost, registration, and insurance.

Every automobile in the plan is equipped with technology-enabled security systems that track every travel.

Sanwo-Olu said the concept was a step forward in the state’s efforts to build an efficient transportation model that is in sync with technology and comfort.

He said that the goal was not to drive current hailing service companies out of business, but to provide a safer option and clear the roads of shaky taxis.

According to him, the initiative would provide operators the opportunity to become vehicle owners in three to four years.

“The new ‘Lagos State Taxi Scheme,’ which will be run on a lease-to-own basis, was born out of the desire to simplify mobility, offer better, dignified, and more rewarding means of transportation and livelihood for the jobless and underemployed populace,” he stated.

“Under this system, a recipient will be given a brand new automobile, which will become the driver’s property after the vehicle’s subsidised cost has been paid in full.

“This taxi plan will complement the different bus services that have a big influence on our people’s lives.”

“They include the water transportation service, which is experiencing exceptional demand, as well as the Blue and Red Line Rail services, which are expected to begin commercial operations between the fourth and first quarters of this year.”

Features of Automobiles

Sanwo-Olu said a comprehensive security device, including a 360 dashboard camera that would provide 24-hour audio-visual feeds to the control center, had been pre-installed on each vehicle deployed for the project to boost riders’ and passengers’ security.

He went on to say that each automobile has a physical panic button that anybody on board may activate in the event of an attack or an emergency.

“The panic button is available on the mobile application and is linked to the Control and Command Centre,” the Governor remarked.

Sanwo-Olu said that the automotive assembly factory in Lagos, which is another component of CIG Motors’ and the State Government’s cooperation, is 60 percent complete, with a September launch and start of operations planned.

“What we are seeing now in Lagos is a transition from the decrepit kabu kabu period to a brand-new, pleasant, and safe transportation system,” he remarked.

“This solitary initiative’s multiplier impact on job creation, youth employment, and economic growth and development in the State cannot be emphasized.”

Dr. Frederic Oladehinde, one of the State Government’s Transportation Commissioners, called the program “another landmark success.”

He pointed out that the program has joined a slew of other creative transportation-related initiatives aimed at reimagining public transit.

Mrs. Diana Chang, GAC Chairman of CIG Motors in Nigeria, said that the blueprint for the urbanisation of Lagos’ transportation system began in November 2019 when the Governor and members of his cabinet visited China for bilateral cooperation.

She described the unveiling as “the magnificent finale” of a relationship with Chinese investors.

“We’re leveraging this cooperation to promote a Greater Lagos where possibilities abound for the state’s inhabitants, while also generating a win-win paradigm for all stakeholders,” she added.

Downloads of apps

Mr. Abiodun Amokomowo, Managing Director of IBILE Holding, revealed that as of last Tuesday, over 5,700 drivers had downloaded the driver’s mobile apps, with 1,786 of them submitting applications.

359 drivers have paid the registration and enrollment price, while others are awaiting screening, according to Amokomowo.

“We will conduct full verification of applicants’ Lagos State Drivers’ Institute (LASDRI) ID cards, medical history, background check, and verification of NIN and Lagos resident registration numbers as part of the process each operator will go through for the safety and security of life and effective operations of the scheme,” he said.

The inauguration of the taxi system was greeted enthusiastically by ride hailing drivers, who hailed it as a “unique, superior option.”

“When we initially heard about LAGOS RIDE, we were apprehensive,” Sam Mfuk, the first successful driver to join the initiative, said.

“However, after attending stakeholder meetings, we altered our thoughts.” In the ride hailing industry, LAGOS RIDE has proven to be the answer to our prayers.

“They obviously thought through the details and features they shared with us, and our feedback was properly incorporated into the final product.”