LASG to Phase Out Korope Buses From Major Highways

The Lagos State Government has announced plans to gradually remove the small commercial buses popularly known as korope from major highways, as part of the state’s transport modernization agenda and safety enhancement strategy.

The disclosure was made during a stakeholder engagement ahead of the official launch of the Lekki–Epe Bus Reform Scheme, which begins operation on December 8, 2025. The meeting featured representatives from the Ministry of Transportation, the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), and transport unions in Lagos.

Under the new system, regulated buses will operate along major corridors such as Ajah–CMS (Marina)/Obalende, Ajah–Oshodi, Ajah–Berger and Ajah–Iyana Ipaja, with future expansion to Epe. According to LAMATA’s Head of Corporate Communication, Kolawole Ojelabi, Special Adviser on Transportation, Sola Giwa, emphasized that the objective is to replace unsafe and unregulated vehicles with a structured and efficient transit network.

He explained that korope will not be eliminated entirely but reassigned to feeder and community routes under the First and Last Mile bus network to strengthen inner-city connectivity. The regulated operator will continue stage-carriage services, while Oneness — a coalition under the NURTW — will handle express operations on approved corridors.

A total of 229 buses will operate in the first implementation phase, all wearing Lagos State’s blue-and-white official bus colours, marked with QR codes, unique identification numbers and TAP stickers. Drivers will carry official badges, and all transactions must be cashless using the Cowry Card system.

Giwa warned that passengers and operators engaging in cash payments on the corridor will face arrest and prosecution, as the state moves to enforce full electronic fare collection.