ITDP Africa’s Post

It’s good to see Lagos plan to scrap ‘danfo’ buses find its way into the recently launched state transport policy. This is not the first time the state govt will express plans to scrap danfo buses. The only difference this time is that the plan is enshrined in a policy document. But I will say to all concerned that five years is not a long time. Similar announcement was made in 2015, when the Ambode administration procured 850 high capacity buses. One would have thought that as soon as procurement process for the 850 buses commenced, the govt will stop registeration of danfo buses for commercial use. But alas, that wasn’t the case. Whilst one arm of govt was busy buying new buses to replace the danfo, another agency of govt still carried registering the same danfo buses that govt was planning to ban, just to meet its revenue target(!) So if this new policy is to succeed, there’s need for ‘joined-up’ thinking in the state govt. Govt agencies will need to stop working at cross purposes or for selfish interests. Following the launch of this new policy, I expect a new legislation banning registration of danfo buses to be passed. If such law is put in place, it will result in phased removal of danfo buses. We don’t have to wait until next five years before taking action. Some have argued that if registration of danfos is banned in Lagos, danfo owners will simply go to neighboring states for registration and still come to Lagos to operate commercially. And Lagos will lose revenue from potential registration fees. But the solution to this is quite simple. Lagos can simply enact a law that places hefty fines, over and above current rates, on commercial danfo buses that commit traffic offence and are not registered in Lagos. This would serve as deterrent and discourage commercial danfo owners from other states from operating in Lagos. As the saying goes, where there’s the political will, there will always be a way. #publictransport #Lagos

Obviously this will not be the first time govt will be issuing this sort of directive. We have been down this road before, where statements are issued on placing a ban on informal bus operators, but nothing happens. But really, what’s been proposed here is not a ‘ban’ in its literary sense. What the govt is planning to do is to ‘regulate’ the operations of informal operators by restricting their services to feeder routes along the Lekki-Ajah corridor. I also learnt from a recent social media post by Sola Giwa, the Special Adviser to state Governor on Transportation, that danfo buses that ‘pass’ the state Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS) safety test will be allowed to continue to operate on the Lekki-Ajax corridor. Which seems to be quite contrary to what’s been reported in mainstream media. It’s important that the state govt gets its messaging right. Information management is part and parcel of public policy making. It’s common knowledge that many govt initiatives, albeit designed with good intentions, have fallen on the altar of poor public engagement. So what is Lagos State Government doing differently now that it’s not been done before, because this will not be the first public statement on regulation or call it, ban of danfo buses in Lagos? In my experience, I believe this is the first time the regulation/ban of danfo buses is being ‘championed’ by the Ministry of Transportation and not the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority. This I believe should count for something. In the past, I have personally witnessed LAMATA and the Ministry of Transportation working at cross purposes on the issue of regulation of informal bus operators. I usually refer to a classic case in 2015, where the state governor announced the ban on danfo buses but only for the Ministry to continue to register and license new danfo operators. Yes, ‘license’ danfo buses, because many do not know that danfo buses do require a license (ie hackney permit) issued by the Ministry to operate. So now that we have the Ministry at the forefront of this ‘reform’, we might make some progress. But whatever it is, this is a reform that is badly needed, if indeed the state government is serious about of improving Lagos public transportation system. And this latest announcement of course will be another test of govt ‘political will’ to reform the state transport system. As we often say, when there’s a will, there’s always a way. #publictransport #InformalTransport #Lagos

At a time when we’re still suffering a Cost-Of-Living-Crisis, Auckland Transport push up the already high cost of getting around, and still have the audacity to expect us to use them!   People cannot afford to eat or pay rent or electricity. How is increasing the cost of transport going to get more people on board?   My car is now even more attractive as a means of transport!   #aucklandtransport, #AT, you are so clueless that you cannot see the most obvious of all possible facts.   When can we expect to see cable-drawn gondolas instead of buses? They are used successfully in many places, including Singapore, La Paz, San Fransisco, and Cape Town. Why don’t we learn from these multiple locations? I’ll tell you why. Because AT are too arrogant to accept that any ideas from their Customers might actually be better than their own ideas!   Cable drawn gondolas occupy only a tiny fraction of the space occupied by bus lanes, are cheaper to build, cheaper to maintain, cheaper to operate, can reduce wait times to 30s or less, can travel faster than buses, and powered with electricity, over 80% of which in NZ is generated from clean renewable sources, thus providing an excellent way to achieve our carbon commitments AND make public transport affordable, reliable, and accessible to all AND still leave land available to build much needed houses (rather than destroying them for bus lanes, as they have done in Pakuranga)!   Why is this not already in place, #AT? Explain, please…   https://lnkd.in/gyiRJcS6  

The once-dominant Zimbabwean bus market leader, AVM Africa (Pvt) Ltd., has returned with a groundbreaking prototype that might revolutionise the country's public transport system. The company's 120-seater bus prototype has the ability to transform Zimbabwe's public transportation system. The future of Zimbabwe's public transport system depends on this decision. A Game-Changing 120-Seater Bus Furthermore, the newly constructed AVM bus has a capacity of 120 people. There are two doors in the front and rear, and it can accommodate 100 standing people in addition to 20 sitting passengers. All passengers will be comfortable and safe thanks to the design's generous bus hangers for standing passengers. Buses used for public transportation in several nations often exhibit this characteristic. This change denotes a significant shift in Zimbabwe's once-dominant bus industry, which was AVM. A good development, nevertheless, is the company's return to innovation. The problems with the country's public transit system will be remedied in this way. Additionally, ZUPCO's involvement in providing public transportation Official backing from the government Dr. Sithembiso Nyoni, minister of industry and commerce, and other high-ranking officials were also present during the prototype's introduction. Minister Nyoni highlighted the significance of government support for innovation. According to her, it speeds up economic progress by bringing new ideas, methodologies, and industrial processes to fruition. Others in the public transport industry may see this inventive initiative as a springboard to greater things to come. In addition, she emphasized the government's objective of reducing imports and increasing local production. The minister is hoping that changes to the transportation system, such as the introduction of locally made buses, will help him Improving Zimbabwe's Public Transport System: A Progress Report In addition, the prototype 120-seater bus has been launched, which is a huge step towards improving Zimbabwe's public transport system. It demonstrates that the nation's public transit demands can be met through innovation and local manufacture. Other parts of the economy may look to this initiative as a model if it is successful. Manufacturing and logistics are part of this effort to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers and increase output at home. More jobs being created, lower prices for consumers, and a stronger national economy might be the results of this

Tanzania has taken a major leap forward in its #railway modernization efforts with the arrival of two new electric multiple-unit (EMU) trains from South Korea. These state-of-the-art trains boast eight carriages each and will be deployed on the brand new route connecting Dar es Salaam and Dodoma, scheduled to begin service on July 25th, 2024. This marks a significant upgrade for the Standard Gauge Railway (SDR) network. Adding to the excitement, reports indicate the launch of an express train service between Dar es Salaam and Morogoro as early as this Friday, further enhancing passenger travel options. The #Tanzania Railway Corporation (TRC) has purchased 10 sets of locomotives and coaches from the Hyundai Rotem Company of #SouthKorea. Each set includes eight wagons, with a locomotive at both the front and back, and has a capacity of carrying 589 passengers and a travelling speed of 160 kilometres per hour. In the announcement seen by The Citizen, the new two sets bring the total to three sets already in the country, with the first having arrived in April this year, noting that it is the one currently undergoing trials. "TRC has received a total of 65 passenger wagons, 17 electric locomotives, and three sets of EMU trains; the receipt of the equipment for the SGR operations is ongoing in different phases," reads part of the statement. "The newly arrived equipment will continue to undergo testing for assurance before commencing provision of service," read another part. Furthermore, the statement says the corporation was proceeding with initial operations and the provision of electric train transportation services through the international standard between Dar es Salaam and Morogoro. Speaking on Monday, the Tanzania Bus Owners Association (Taboa) secretary-general, Ms Priscus Joseph, said the train was the largest means of #transportation in the world, which is not inevitable, but at the moment there is no passenger challenge as buses and trains altogether get customers. Mr Joseph advised the government to ensure that it managed the operation of the train, noting that taxpayers would be discouraged once TRC declared losses after a certain period. "We in the private sector pay taxes, so those who would be employed in the provision of services should work efficiently considering the taxpayers' money instead of doing business as usual; the equipment has been bought at a high cost, so it must be protected," he said. Commenting on the matter on Monday, a lecturer at the College of Engineering and Technology (COET) in the Department of Transportation and Geotechnical Engineering of the University of Dar es Salaam, Dr John Elvis, said increasing the number of train trips means that one does not have to live in Morogoro or Dar es Salaam; there are many areas in between those regions and people can start cities. https://lnkd.in/ep8VnFFD #TradeInAfrica

This article and a few others published similar to this one show pretty good evidence that our government decided, based on one of the significant lobbies, to scrap out the competition from the picture to control the delivery of goods industry. I am surprised many of these government supporters are so anti-monopoly businesses here in NZ, like construction materials and supermarkets, yet are happy with transportation turning into control by one supplier. When you make significant decisions like this, you cannot be based on reports or comparisons like this article or some reports or numbers. I have checked where information typically favours roading only. As a government, you must look at the big picture, long-term benefits, upkeeping Coast, etc. You cannot decide on subsidies alone or based on one train service daily (more train services and better schedules will attract more passengers). Regardless, it still shows, like me, many others indicating the current government scrapping trains from transportation infrastructure improvements was one of the dumbest 🤦 ideas of many others so far. Somedays, I wonder why I pay a good amount of taxes for stupid management and leadership like this; in reality, with the new approach towards employment, the 90-day trial period would be fired already. Let's see how the three years of our lives will be shaped here in NZ. #newzealand #newzealandbusiness #newzealandjobs #newzealandlife #aotearoa #transportationeffiency https://lnkd.in/g8tfHB2Y

The Lagos State Government has announced a ban on 'Danfo' buses and 'Koropes' effective October 1st. The Lagos State Government has confirmed the enforcement of a ban on unregulated commercial bus operations, specifically targeting "Danfos" and "Koropes," along the Lekki-Epe corridor starting October 1, 2024. Despite rumors of a suspension, officials have clarified that this move aligns with the Lagos State Strategic Transportation Master Plan. State Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, and Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Sola Giwa, have urged public transport operators to cooperate with the restructuring plans aimed at improving commuting experiences. Giwa highlighted the chaotic current state of bus operations on the corridor, emphasizing the need for regulation and integration into the state's Bus Reform Initiative. A stakeholders' meeting was held with bus operators and union leaders to discuss compliance before the enforcement date. Inspections by the Ministry of Transportation and the Lagos Metropolitan Transport Authority (LAMATA) have identified traffic flow limitations and developed a framework to address potential challenges. Key planned solutions include restructuring existing public transport operations, deploying high-capacity buses, reallocating Korope/mini buses to inner routes, and re-registering and recertifying all buses. These measures aim to streamline operations and improve transportation efficiency along the Lekki-Epe corridor.

So followers of the debate on Rail in New Zealand - this thread below has been very interesting in terms of gauging support, or not, for passenger development Rail in NZ and one thing seems clear - it seems to polarise people. There are many perspectives and debate is to be encouraged so thanks to all for participating - a contest of ideas is great and should be encouraged. Have a read though of the thread and comments in the post and make up your own mind as to what’s going on here. It really is interesting in terms of the themes coming out - based on respective ideologies rather than bare facts and truth - although as one infamous lawyer once observed “Truth isn’t truth” https://lnkd.in/gwZrSuBj. - so true if you know what I mean and the comments thread certainly demonstrates that! In regards to a reliance on private self use autonomous EV’s as an alternative to Rail in the future as a solution - sure they have their place and I encourage that as better than the noxious gas emitting combustion engine prevalent today. However an over reliance on EV’s that consumes peoples personal wealth by having to procure, own, operate and maintain them thus keeping keeping the prolateriat in their rightful place and a solution that takes up too much land / road space, does nothing much to fix congestion or safety outcomes, consumes rare earth minerals in a way that is not sustainable and encourages poor land use amongst many other things is not one that one would call good to great! In fact it has more in common with being lead down a path to a tree and being offered a shiny red apple 🍎 (oh it will taste sooo good) by a snake 🐍 with a silver forked tongue (the motor vehicle lobbyists that try to perpuate the private vehicle mode at all costs to everything else like vaping does for smoking) in the proverbial garden of Eden most of us learnt about as kids. Further - one thing I find intriguing is how many, and there are many here, say they love rail but then go on to say no - not in my backyard in New Zealand - like saying some of my best friends are xxx but I don’t want them in my house or neighbourhood thanks. Meanwhile as the debate rages on we have KiwiRail over there silent in the corner in the hospital beds Intensive Care Unit on life support with bandages all over its face and body semi unconscious, minus a few limbs and appendages so it can’t speak after being beaten up by the playground thugs, being seemingly the proverbial runt of the transport litter, while the rest of us debate whether or not to turn the life support off or it keep it on hoping for a full or more likely - partial recovery. Now to finish off - let’s listen to some music “Big Yellow Taxi” by Joni Mitchell https://lnkd.in/gxTQphf9 #kiwirail #transport #newzealand #politics https://lnkd.in/gn-ECkTF

👉 Buses won’t help reduce traffic on the Malahat The whole idea of trying to get the rail service back up and running is to get traffic off the Malahat, not adding buses to it. The messes and carnage caused by accidents and the subsequent massive backup of traffic and time lost is the biggest concern for everyone who has to traverse the “Hat.” I have missed medical appointments, business appointments and family responsibilities due to traffic being at a standstill, sometimes for hours. Adding a couple of buses is definitely not the answer to an opinion from someone who doesn’t travel the Malahat daily. David Buxton Shawnigan Lake 👉 Buses, rail together can boost the economy Re: “Buses would be better than a rail revival,” letter, April 8. Trains need buses. Conversely, buses need trains. They both work best working together. Trains would enable buses to cater to more passengers more often. This regular, reliable service is absolutely critical to increased ridership. Trains get more efficient when they have more passengers. Only buses won’t get cruise ship passengers to Malahat Skywalk on time. Transit buses won’t excel with tourists but rail certainly can. Buses would be hard-pressed getting essential containers to points east also. Similarly buses would be really in great difficulty generating economic growth that rail has been proven to, for a century or two. Still all this Island prosperity will never happen until B.C. Transit formally recognizes the essential collaboration vital between trains and buses for all this economic growth to happen. Politicians understand this perfectly. I think B.C. Transit needs to be on board as well. The hallmark of a thriving economy is efficient, safe, reliable and affordable transportation. Rich Ireland Nanaimo 👉 More and more people are seeing the truth of our transportation situation on Vancouver Island. We need a unified voice to turn things around, sign up along with 13,229 others https://chng.it/HTPJ25CqPr https://lnkd.in/gPbM_UEX