Passengers on the Ijebu Ode–Abeokuta corridor have raised fresh alarm over the deteriorating condition of buses operated by BMT (Ogun Bus), following a distressing incident that left commuters stranded on the highway.
According to a complaint received on Tuesday morning, a BMT bus travelling from Ijebu Ode to Abeokuta developed a serious mechanical fault before reaching **Ikenne / Sagamu, forcing passengers to disembark and fend for themselves.
The affected passenger described the experience as “dangerous and frustrating,” alleging that frequent breakdowns have become a routine occurrence with BMT buses, particularly on long-distance routes.
“These buses are not reliable. You board them hoping to arrive safely, but breakdowns have almost become normal,” the commuter said.
Fare Doubled, Comfort Slashed
Beyond safety concerns, passengers are also fuming over what they describe as an exploitative fare increase. The transport fare on the route has reportedly jumped from ₦1,500 to ₦3,000, while passenger comfort has worsened.
Previously, buses operated with three passengers per row. Now, commuters say four passengers are crammed into a row, despite the doubled fare.
“This is not just unfair, it’s inhumane,” another passenger lamented. “We are paying more to suffer more.”
Questions for BMT Management
The development has sparked public outrage, with commuters demanding answers from BMT management:
- Why are outdated and poorly maintained buses still deployed on busy highways?
- Why are fares being increased while service quality continues to decline?
- Who is protecting passengers from safety risks and exploitation?
Call for Government Intervention
Concerned citizens are now urging the Ogun State Government to urgently intervene and investigate the operations of BMT.
Advocates insist that accountability is crucial, noting that the government should not be blamed for failures it may not be fully aware of.
“Passengers deserve safe, reliable and affordable transportation,” the complaint stated. “It’s time for BMT to prioritise human lives over profit.”
As public pressure mounts, commuters say they are waiting for a swift response and concrete action from both BMT management and the Ogun State Government to prevent a potential tragedy on the state’s roads.
