The Authority said the new enforcement measure expands its existing crackdown, which has already seen bus drivers and ground staff arrested, prosecuted and, in some cases, jailed for collecting cash fares.
According to LAMATA, passengers who knowingly offer cash as payment will now be held equally liable under the law.
The agency advised commuters to obtain and use the Cowry Card, which is available at designated bus stops as well as Blue and Red Line train stations, for all fare payments on regulated bus services.
LAMATA described cash collection within the regulated transport system as an economic crime against the state, warning that it undermines the integrity of the electronic fare collection system, deprives operators of legitimate revenue and threatens the sustainability of public transport services.
The Authority explained that bus operating companies under its supervision have consistently complained about the impact of cash collections, saying the resulting revenue losses have made it difficult to purchase spare parts, maintain buses, return faulty vehicles to service and meet key financial obligations, including workers’ salaries.
It stressed that protecting fare revenue is critical to improving public transportation, noting that stronger revenue collection would enable operators to restore more buses to service and provide commuters with safer, more reliable and efficient transport.
LAMATA therefore urged passengers to comply strictly with the cashless payment policy by using only approved electronic payment channels for bus fares.
The Authority also called on commuters to report any driver or transport staff demanding cash payments through its official complaint channels, including info@lamata-ng.com and telephone lines 09099526282 and 09115526282.
Reaffirming its commitment to building a sustainable public transport network, LAMATA said the success of Lagos’ regulated transport system depends on the collective cooperation of both operators and commuters in safeguarding public resources and ensuring transparent fare collection.
