Modupe Gbadeyanka
Lagos State Yellow Taxi/Cab Drivers Association on Tuesday, March 10, 2020, launched a digital mobile app to enhance their operational efficiency.
General Secretary of the Lagos State Yellow Taxi Drivers & EkoCab Association, Mr Taiwo Omolekan, thanked the Lagos State Government for its consistent support towards the realisation of the EkoCab App. He said take-off scheduled for the mobile application is March 17, 2020.
He disclosed that the application has been designed to enable the Ministry of Transportation monitor commuter patterns to aid the state government in proffering innovation regulations and solutions for overall improvements in the Lagos transportation sector.
Mr Omolekan maintained that the launch would enable the association bridge the gap created by the Okada/Tricycle restrictions in certain parts of the state while operators will observe strict adherence to the provisions of the State Traffic Law to ensure better service delivery.
Also speaking at the unveiling yesterday, Commissioner for Transportation in the state, Mr Frederic Oladeinde, warned the drivers to be more civil and operate in line with regulations that guide public transportation.
He further advised members of the taxi association to comply with the extant laws and stipulated regulations to ensure success and sustainability of the initiative.
Speaking at the Eko Cab App Launch held at the Events Centre, the Commissioner, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr Oluseyi Whenu, urged the commercial vehicles operators to leverage digital technology to bring innovation into their business.
“The State Government is not out to punish anyone, as you go digital today, I want you to know that it places more responsibility on you. You are expected to be more civil and friendly with your customers more than before, while you are expected to operate in line with the extant laws and regulations that guide public transportation in the state,” Mr Oladeinde warned.
While pledging government’s continued support and equal opportunity for all investors in public transportation, the Commissioner affirmed that the state government would create a level playing field and enabling environment for all investors to ensure a quick return on their investments.
“The present administration will continue to implement government programmes and policies that will be of great benefit to public transport operators while we pledge our commitment to creating an enabling environment that will attract more investors into public transportation; we will give equal opportunity to all, we are not biased nor one-sided, we will continue to support all good initiatives that can enhance free flow of traffic,” Mr Oladeinde reiterated.
The Commissioner commended the Lagos State Taxi Drivers for their support for the T.H.E.M.E.S Agenda by digitalising their operations in line with global standard practice, imploring them to support the ongoing reforms to make the transport system rank among the best in the world.
Mr Oladeinde stressed that compliance with the traffic law will ensure reduction in traffic gridlocks and road crashes, just as it will restore safety and sanity on roads in the metropolis.
