Your Step By Step Guide To Navigating Lagos Public Transport

After the Okada/Keke ban, a lot of people were left with no choice but to rely on public buses aka Danfo or ‘Yellow Bus’.

Entering public buses can be tricky, compared to the other ways that were banned. There is a need to adapt faster, so here’s a guide to navigating Lagos public transport.

Have your exact fare
Always have smaller denominations like ₦50 and ₦100. Bus conductors usually don’t have the patience to sort out passengers’ excesses from the exact fare, leading to unpleasant exchanges. You could also end up paired with a random stranger because you didn’t have your exact fare.

Know your bus stop
Not all conductors call out the stops, so it’s necessary to know your bus stop so you don’t go past it. Remember the name and pick a landmark (a specific place or building) that could help you locate it. Try to remind the conductor often about your bus stop, especially if you’re not familiar with the location.

Ask questions
If you don’t know how to get somewhere, or which bus or route to take, ask people around you. Lagosians are helpful and are always willing to give directions. Be sure to ask multiple people so you are certain of which direction to go.

Keep your opinions to yourself
Try not to make input on altercations inside the bus. Sometimes, people readily transfer aggression to others. The best bet is to ignore whatever is happening, plug in your earphones and play some music to drown out the noise.

Be quick on your feet
Lagos is a busy place. Most bus drivers never completely slow down for you to board the bus or alight. You need to be on the alert.

See Also

Here’s What The Law Says About Impeaching Nigeria’s Senate President

Board with care
There are more people than buses, and sometimes, the rush can be a bit wild because you will definitely be pushed. So, take your time and try not to get hurt.

Stay awake
It could be hard especially after a long day, or maybe a sleepless night, but you should never sleep on a bus. You could be robbed, also, you need to know when you get to your bus stop. And for that, you must be very much awake.

Even if you’re a newbie to entering public transport, never fear, because these guidelines are a good way to start.