GET AROUND
One needs a lot of guide-tips when it comes to 'getting around' in Lagos, I mean, the transportation system isn't the best and could even leave you lost or stranded in an unknown area. You may have a "tour map" or GPS which might help you know your whereabouts, but how you "get around" requires a safe and efficient means of transportation.
Due to the endless road traffics and unsafe locations within the state, it's advisable to always use the safest and most efficient (in terms of speed) means of transportation in Lagos. There are a few I can list, and a couple to downgrade.
The first on the list is the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) buses, created to have its own bus lanes. This means of transportation can sure deliver you to your destination in minutes. Its fare is quite cheap (about 70 Naira) depending on your destination, making it the cheapest means of transportation in Lagos. Although the BRT can be safe, really cheap and efficient, availability remains one of its shortcomings; it doesn't provide 'time guides' (it can arrive at any-time at its Bus Stops and can sometimes be overcrowded. The buses were living up to expectations when the program was first implemented, it is a different story today. It is so bad that majority of the air-conditioners are not functioning, no maintenance whatsoever.
The next safe and efficient means of transportation in Lagos is Taxis; they are literally everywhere you go in Lagos and are owned by individuals and companies. However, there are 3 major types of taxis in Lagos; Old-looking taxis, also known as 'Normal Taxi', Red Taxi, and Mixed Black & Yellow Taxi or 'Metro Taxi. Old-looking taxis are yellow in colour and are owned by individuals; not so efficient and are quite uncomfortable as majority of them come without air conditioners. But they can be fairly cheap (the cheapest cab system in Lagos) depending on your destination.
NORMAL TAXIS at YABA #page4 #thelagostheme
The neat looking coloured air-conditioned cabs you see are owned by private (public transport) companies in Lagos. Their fares are just a bit more expensive than the 'Normal Cabs', but are comfortable, safe and operate in 17 local government areas in Lagos.
METRO TAXIS AT BAR-BEACH ROAD #page4 #thelagostheme
The yellow tricycles you see around you in Lagos are called "Keke", with its small size the Keke can maneuver traffic. This is the ideal getaway Mobile when it comes to efficiency in Lagos transportation. It's also cheap and fairly safe, but isn't so comfortable as it comes without doors.
Down the bottom list is the local white mini buses popularly known as "Danfo". Although a very cheap means of transportation, there's a stigma on Danfo buses and their drivers; the buses are way too unkept and driven extremely rough by their notorious drivers. There are so many police reports of Danfo bus high-jacks and robberies which date back since Danfo days. Trust me; this is one means of transportation in Lagos you don't want to find yourself in at night.
Last on the list are the Motorcycles in Lagos also called "Okada", they are fast, cheap, but very unsafe. The Lagos State Government recently put a ban on Okada riding in certain urban areas of Lagos. This is good news to many who don't appreciate the unprofessional way majority of the Okada riders parade their bikes on the streets of Lagos, causing a lot of chaos and traffic disorders on a daily basis in an unprecedented level.
Get Around in Luxury
Not everyone can stand the Lagos traffic, its hot weather and not so good means of transportation. You can however, get the luxurious treatment in Lagos transportation; A helicopter is probably the most expensive and efficient means of transportation in Lagos. The current price rates to charter Helicopters at the Heliport' in Victoria Island are quite expensive; their most expensive offer is "The Sikosky S-76 for $9,500 per hour and $76,000 per day". While the cheapest offer is "The Ecureuil AS 350 at $4,195 per hour and $33, 560 per day". This heliport is actually a unique one in Nigeria as it's one of the few with a helideck at its banks, it's also privately owned and mainly patronized by the extremely wealthy...
It's also easier to get around with the ferries in Lagos, this one is actually stationed within Lekki Phase one close to the river. It leaves from here to CMS and back; nothing can really stop your journey other than an engine failure or bad weather. It's a 20-seater and leaves no room for extras. However, the fare can be as cheap as 130 Naira depending on your destination; this is the cheapest luxury i know of.
Keep a heads-up for updates on this page; here's my Instagram web profile http://instagram.com/slumbook5/ for more photos on #page4 of #thelagostheme.
SOURCE:
LAGOS STATE TO LAUNCH NEW LINE OF TAXI CABS, June 12, 2009, by www.jaguda.com
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NEW UPDATE ON GET AROUND
"Nigerians Speak" on Nigeria's Bus Insufficiency with Brown Anumudu on Silverbird Television:
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