The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) says it has commenced the pilot phase of the use of buses powered by compressed natural gas (CNG) for passengers operations.
LAMATA said this in a statement on Monday, signed by Kolawole Ojelabi, its corporate communication consultant.
Compressed natural gas is a fuel gas mainly composed of methane, compressed to less than 1 percent of the volume it occupies at standard atmospheric pressure. It is an eco-friendly alternative to gasoline.
LAMATA said the innovation aimed to curtail air pollution caused by gasoline buses in the state.
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“In a bid to reduce tailpipe emission into the atmosphere by public transport buses, the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) will from today commence the pilot phase of the use of buses powered by Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) for passenger operations on Marina/CMS to Lekki and Ajah-Epe bus routes,” the statement reads.
“Under the pilot phase, 10 high occupancy vehicles would be deployed for the service. The operation franchised to a bus operating company named Femadec will progressively increase the number of buses to 100 after data had proven the sustainability of the use of CNG.
“LAMATA has over the years been involved in studies aimed at alternative fuel energy sources in transport operations. The deployment of buses powered by CNG will provide useful data for a future decision on the wholesome wide use of such buses for passenger transit operations in Lagos.
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“CNG burns cleaner and reduces carbon monoxide by more than 80 percent when compared to traditional petrol and diesel. CNG-powered vehicles also run quieter than gasoline and diesel vehicles, which results in less noise pollution.
“The bus operating company will have its operational base at the Ajah terminal and make use of the bus shelters along the Lekki-Epe corridor for its operation. The fare card, Cowry, will be used to pay for services on the buses.”
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