3rd Mainland Bridge Repair: Commercial Drivers Hike Fare, As Passengers Get Stranded 

 

As a result of on-going repair work on the third mainland bridge, commercial drivers yesterday increased transport fares due to traffic gridlock in some of parts of Lagos metroplis.
Passengers who left home from Bariaga to Obalende or CMS area faced serious challenges while some were stranded due to heavy traffic along on the bridge. The commercial drivers also used the opportunity to exploit passengers, charging as high as N100.00 from Bariga to Yaba instead of the usual N70, 00, while okada riders also used the opportunity to charge more money from their passengers.
Some passengers who spoke with our correspondent under anonymity lamented the stress they were going through to get buses to their various destinations.
“It was hectic for those of us who work in the Island but there is nothing we can do except to endure the situation. If it is possible for us to get where to stay pending the time the repair will be over, we will”, they said.
There was serious traffic at Iyana-Oworo to Toll Gate, along Bariga to Yaba and other areas.
As early as 7:30 am the entire Adeniji Interchange were filled with vehicles Oworonshoki bound vehicles from Island were prevented from plying the bridge.
There was gridlock from Charley Boy Bus Stop to Anthony while traffic on Ikorodu Road stretched from to Ojota axis up till 10am.
Also, traffic gridlock was evident at Herbert Macaulay Way, Iddo, Cater Bridge, Oyingbo and other alternative routes to connect to Mainland following the closure.
Commuters plying Lagos Abeokuta Express Way also had their own fair share of the gridlock as cement laden truck upturned, littering the road with bags of cement, but it was later removed by LASTMA towing vehicle.
Gbagada Express Way- Anthony axis was equally busy throughout with traffic owing to diversion of traffic from Oworonshoki interchange.