By Emmanuel Olagunju
Severe motor scarcity disrupted travel activities at the Iwo Road Bus Terminal on Monday, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded for hours as they struggled to secure vehicles to their various destinations. The situation created visible congestion at the terminal, with travellers arriving early in the day only to remain stuck well into the afternoon.
Findings at the terminal revealed that the number of available commercial vehicles was grossly inadequate compared to the volume of passengers seeking to travel. Long queues formed across different loading points, while many commuters waited endlessly in the hope that more vehicles would arrive. The few buses and cars operating were quickly filled, further compounding the frustration of travellers.
In addition to the scarcity, transport fares were sharply inflated, placing an unexpected financial burden on passengers. A journey to Ondo State, which previously cost about ₦5,000, was increased to as much as ₦10,200. Similar fare hikes were recorded on other routes, with passengers reporting near-doubling of prices across several destinations.
Some transport operators attributed the hike to operational challenges, including fuel-related issues, limited vehicle availability, and increased demand. According to them, the imbalance between supply and demand left drivers with little choice but to adjust fares to cover costs and maximize earnings during the rush.
Passengers, however, expressed strong dissatisfaction with the situation, describing the fare increase as exploitative. Many complained that they were forced to either pay the inflated prices or cancel their trips entirely. Some travellers, particularly students and low-income earners, said the unexpected cost made their journeys nearly impossible.
As of the time of filing this report, normal operations had yet to return to the Iwo Road Bus Terminal. Commuters called on relevant authorities and transport unions to urgently intervene, regulate fares, and address the recurring issue of motor scarcity to prevent further hardship for the travelling public.
