After disrupting the transport sector in the state with its ban on commercial motorcycles (okada) and tricycles as well as its crackdown on Uber, Bolt and other car-hailing firms, the Lagos State Government has dropped yet another surprise.
The Babajide Sanwo-Olu led administration announced its partnership with Ekocab Nigeria, a taxi-hailing service that connects regular yellow taxi drivers and/or private car owners with commuters using the platform.
When asked why the state government wages war against operators in the car-hailing sector at the event, Commissioner for Transportation, Dr Frederic Oladeinde, explained that the state has not done anything to punish anyone as the same law affects all operators.
Speaking at the Eko Cab App Launch, the Commissioner said, “The State Government is not out to punish anyone but places more responsibility on all operators. They are expected to be more civil and friendly with customers and operate in line with the extant laws and regulations that guide public transportation in the State.”
[READ MORE: Lagos launches 14 ferries to tackle gridlock, says Okada ban irreversible)
While pledging government’s continued support and equal opportunity for all investors in public transportation, the Commissioner affirmed that the State Government would create a level playing field and enabling environment for all investors to ensure a quick return on their investments.
“The present administration will continue to implement government programmes and policies that will be of great benefit to public transport operators while we pledge our commitment to creating an enabling environment that will attract more investors into public transportation; we will give equal opportunity to all, we are not biased nor one-sided, we will continue to support all good initiatives that can enhance free flow of traffic”, he added.
Co-founder of Ekocab Nigeria, Segun Cole, explained that in addition to yellow taxi drivers, private car owners will be onboarded and given proper training and proper documentation as required by the government.
READ ALSO: Reactions trail government’s decision to ban tricycles in Abuja
Details: The Ekocab mobile app is said to work like any other ride-hailing service. Once a rider requests for a ride, the app connects the driver-partner after which the driver arrives to pick up the rider. The cost of an Ekocab ride is also based on the distance of the trip, total travel time, and the base fare, which users can pay for using their smartphones.
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