The United States has, Wednesday, suggested a model transportation action plan to help ease the lingering daily gridlock on Lagos roads and boost economic growth and development.
The Director of Public Works in Minneapolis, Minnesota US, Ms. Robin Hutcheson, in a Lagos Transportation and Traffic Webinar themed ‘The Never-ending Story, Traffic Congestion in Lagos: What Can Be Done? Will it Be Done?’ organised by the US Consulate General, noted that traffic congestion could take a huge toll on one’s mental and physical health.
According to the director, the model transportation action plans could include: buses, ferries, sidewalks, bike lanes, and light rail, among others.
Hutcheson, who is also the President of the Board of Directors for the National Association of Transportation Officials US, emphasised cities with 21st century ambitions must provide residents with safe, accessible, efficient, and equitable transportation choices.
The director, however, highlighted that improvements in mass transportation directly contributes to economic growth, a healthier environment, and improved customer satisfaction.”
She further addressed participants, who included: officials from the Lagos state transportation and traffic management, diplomats, business and civic leaders, members of academia and media executives.
“Under any plan, the responsible agencies must engage their communities, ask them what they want, understand the issues, identify the opportunities, and pursue funding and implementation together.”
Speaking also, the U.S. Consul General, Claire Pierangelo, spoke on the importance of reducing chronic traffic congestion in the state while facilitating economic growth and development.
Noting that the topic of Lagos traffic is very important due to its impact on economic development and daily quality of life, Pierangelo described Lagos as the economic capital of Nigeria hence,
“It is important that we tackle the transportation and traffic difficulties,” she urged.
