The Lagos State Government and transport technology outfit Uber on Friday, mapped out strategies for effective waterways taxi services.
Speaking at the official launching of UberBoat Water Transport Services, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-olu said the technological water transport firm would reduce the pressure on the roads.
The Governor who took a ride on the Uber boat, disclosed that the initiative would make life better for over 20million residents of the mega city.
Sanwo Olu who craved the support of the federal government and the private sector in the quest to find the critical solution to addressing mass but efficient movement of people, goods and services, explained that Lagos State under his watch would make the welfare of residents his priority, adding that the Uber challenge is one critical response to the development.
He noted that ” Safe, secured and fast movement of the people is a socioeconomic pivot of my administration and we have proven it is possible with this initiative today”
Apartment from Lagos Commissioner for Transportation, Frederick Oladeinde, Lola Kassim of Uber West Africa, others who joined the governor to celebrate the event are Lagos Area Manager of National Inland Waterways Authority ( NIWA), Engineer Sarat Lara Braimah, Water Transportation Merchant, Dupe Lawale of Texas Connection and General manager, Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), Olabode Emmanuel.
Recall that Uber’s Chief Business Officer Brooks Entwistle said the company was in talks with Lagos State Government and regulatory authorities to start to launch Uber Boats service to carry commuters in the state to ease traffic congestion in the city.
According to Uber, the boat service will work in partnership with Texas Connection Ferries, a local boat operator, and the Lagos State Waterways Authority.
With an estimated population of 22 million, Lagos is known for its traffic congestion that has commuters spending hours on the road.
However, 25% of its landmass consisting of water bodies, making commuting by water provides a good transportation option to tap in order to help its residents beat the constant traffic that plagues them while commuting.
Uber disclosed that the pilot phase will operate on weekdays from 0700 GMT to 1600 GMT on a fixed route from the Ikorodu Ferry Terminal on the mainland and Five Cowries Terminal on the island and commuters will be charged a flat fare of 500 Naira per trip.
