Lagos BRT Bus Conductors

In a big city like Lagos, it is sometimes a miracle to commute between short distances – while for some of us that have to go from Ikorodu to CMS, Yaba among others; it is a journey that requires earpiece, gala and definitely a plastic bottle of chilled coke (Orobo size).

 

Welcome to Lagos! – was the responses I got after sharing my traffic ordeal with a friend, and it’s the best way of telling someone “get used to it or go back to your village”.

But then with new people coming into Lagos on daily basis, the old residence actually believe that traffic in Lagos has reduced or not what it used to be - only if you will be willing to wake up by 4:00am at least every morning, prepare and join BRT BUS to your destination (esp. when you don’t have your own ride and you don’t even have a neighbor you wait for at their gate/door to ask for a ride). 

BRT means Bus Rapid Transit.  A transport option, which relies on the use of dedicated 'interference' free segregated lanes to guarantee fast and reliable bus travel. The BRT bus run on physically segregated lanes and thus make them run faster in a situation where there is traffic congestion.

The first phase of the Lagos BRT was opened on March 17, 2008, and was initiated by Bola Tinubu administration.  And till date have met the transportation needs of Lagosians’ who make use of them and it hope to do more as many of free segregated lanes  and ticket point are under construction.

Just like the normal system of transportation in Nigeria (Danfo), the BRT bus makes use of two principle officers; the Driver and the Conductor, always in sync with their own slangs for easy communication.

Apart from the comedy, film previews and advertisement which I enjoy a lot each time am on board, my next interesting thing is BRT BUS CONDUCTORS.  

It is easy for them to come off as abusive, rude and rugged, maybe is because I always see or would I say I choose to see the good in everyone. But I find them to be good at people’s management, something that most individuals cannot do. And not just that, I also find them to be very confident, opinionated and full of energy. 

For instance, I boarded a BRT bus yesterday and the conductor as usual were calling the destinations and the amount once anyone wants to enter. This guy entered and didn’t argue the amount, but when the girl was collecting her money he gave her 50 naira, immediately I knew the guy wanted to buy market for himself. 

The conductor in their normal tone, starting showing off her word strength and later the guy paid the money after causing unnecessary disturbance for some of us that was enjoying “STUPID” comedy – my favourite BRT comedy (hahaha).

I believe that these conductors, especially the female ones are developing themselves in dealing with people, is something most people find very difficult to do. With their level of confidence going  up and down the bus collecting money, remembering the faces of those that have paid and haven’t, watching out for tax collector and their communication skill, I believe if channeled to something else they will succeed in it.

They are one of the people that make Nigeria work, when they come out early – we go to work early.

 #BRTBusConductors

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