The BRT and the danfo: a case study of Lagos’ transport reforms from 1999-2019

Over the last 20 years, Lagos has had to make large-scale investments in transport infrastructure to keep up with its growing population. Most notably, in 2008, Lagos opened the first ever Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system on the African continent. Today, the system boasts two different lines which cover over 35.5 km of track and transport over 350,000 commuters on a daily basis. Through the BRT and wider reforms, Lagos has been able to achieve reductions in travel times of up to one-third since 2008, relieving an estimated USD$240M in economic loss each year. This case study provides a detailed account of the Lagos experience, highlighting key factors behind its successful reforms as well as important lessons for other cities looking to improve their public transport systems.