The Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) in Lagos State has introduced the e-ticketing system of payment to drive its cashless policy in the transportation sector.
In a bid to go cashless and integrate all transport modes on a single smart payment ecosystem, the Lagos State Government, in August last year, launched the ‘cowry card,’ an expanded e-ticketing system that automates fare payment for the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT).
The innovation seeks to create smart mobility through a cashless prepaid card as passengers can travel to different parts of the state, using the cowry card on any of the BRT. There is also the cowry app, from which money can be transferred to an individual wallet, then to the card for those who do not want to go to the ticketing point to load their cards.
The Lagos BRT is a transport system regulated by the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) and operated by Primero Transport Services Limited and the Lagos Bus Services Ltd (LBSL), among other operators.
Since its launch, the cowry card has been in use on the Oshodi to Abule-Egba and Ikotun to Ikeja BRT routes. It also became effective on bus services offered by Primero Transport Services Limited, operators of the Ikorodu to Teslim Balogun Stadium (TBS) BRT since February 1, 2021, as announced by the LAMATA.
The introduction of the cowry cards was embraced by many Lagosians, particularly those who rely largely on the BRT to move from one place to another within Lagos, since it is more convenient, cheaper, and there is less traffic because of the dedicated lanes for the BRT. In fact, it was gathered that most traders in the Computer Village who reside around Ikotun find it more convenient and cheaper travelling to and from work via the BRT with the use of cowry cards.
Findings showed that the cowry cards are in two categories, which cost N200 and N400. While that of N400 seems more qualitative like an ATM card, those of N200 is not as strong and durable as the former. So, after purchasing the card, passengers proceed to load it at any BRT bus terminal, and with it, can travel anywhere within the state without holding cash for fare payment.
According to the state government, the use of the card had become imperative to reduce cash transactions in transport operations to contain the spread of COVID-19.
The Managing Director of the LAMATA, Abimbola Akinajo, had earlier said the use of the cowry card would henceforth be the only mode of fare payment and administration of regulated transport services in the state.
She disclosed that the agency would launch a community bus scheme known as the First Mile and Last Mile (FMLM) as a feeder system to transport services on the main transport corridors, which will also use the cowry card. She added that the cowry cards would be extended to other transport services, including water and rail transportation next year.
As much as Lagosians embraced the cashless initiative, its adoption has not been without initial teething problems as some have complained about challenges associated with the use of the cowry card and the app.
