Let’s Boat?! Are Uber Boats a Great Solution to Bad Roads & Traffic in Lagos?
Uber boats in Lagos = less traffic? Or so it may seem.
The city of Lagos is known as Nigeria’s commercial capital and the centre of excellence. As a regular commuter on its roads, I think it’s safe to say it is heavily lacking excellence in that department. As much as the majority of Nigerian roads aren’t well to do, having 21 million people living and moving around a 1,171 km² land space doesn’t help the problem.
So, what can?
On Friday 11th of October, Global ride-hailing firm Uber Technologies Inc. launched a pilot test of a boat service in Lagos. This launch is aimed at attracting commuters seeking to avoid the megacity’s notoriously congested roads. And I have to say it is a joy to see transport companies realize the untapped potential in Lagos’ waterways.
However, ferry transportation isn’t completely new in Lagos state. Various government and private businesses have been running a stunted system of ferry transportation. And I say stunted because many private owners have complained of policies that don’t favour proper development in the sector.
So what’s changed?
Prior to the launch, it seemed as though talks about waterway transportation had become water under the bridge – pun intended. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Governor of Lagos State, said the Uber boat service, and the use of waterways in general, were part of a raft of initiatives aimed at easing congestion which also include a program of road repairs.
So I guess you’re wondering if the Uber boats in Lagos are here to stay? Currently, it’s only at its pilot phase which Uber says will operate for two weeks only, They’re scheduled to run on weekdays from 07:00 GMT to 16:00 GMT on a fixed route between Ikorodu and Falomo. Each trip will cost N500.
The big question now is – is this it? Is this pilot going to give rise to a virtually untapped market that will solve a traffic problem that has riddled Lagos for decades?
Let us know what you think about Uber boats in Lagos. And if you’ve taken a trip with it, share your experience with us. We’d love to hear from you.
Photo Credit: Reuters
