The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) on Monday took a radical departure from the norm as it commenced the use of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) for passenger buses at a pilot phase. The landmark move is intended to reduce tail pipe emission into the atmosphere by public transport buses in the state.
For now, the operation is limited to buses on the Marina/CMS to Lekki and Ajah-Epe routes.
LAMATA says that under the pilot scheme, 10 high occupancy vehicles would be deployed for the service.
The operation franchised to a bus operating company, Femadec will progressively increase the number of buses to 100 after data had proven the sustainability of the use of CNG.
LAMATA has over the years been involved in studies aimed at alternative fuel energy sources in transport operations. The deployment of buses powered by CNG will provide useful data for future decision on wholesome wide use of such buses for passenger transit operations in Lagos.
CNG burns cleaner and reduces carbon monoxide by more than 80 percent when compared to traditional petrol and diesel. CNG powered vehicles also run quieter than gasoline and diesel vehicles, which results in less noise pollution.
The bus operating company will have its operational base at the Ajah Terminal and make use of the bus shelters along the Lekki-Epe corridor for its operation.
The fare card, Cowry, will be used to pay for services on the buses.
