The Danfo’s last bus stop? 🚏🛑
#215: Danfo - A vibrant yellow minibus used for public transit in Lagos.
Hello Venturer,
Today, I’d like to tell you a story about a unique symbol of Lagos that has shaped the city's vibrant character: the Danfo. Emerging alongside the Molue in the 1970s, the Danfo's name remains somewhat mysterious, with some suggesting it means "hurry" in Yoruba. The first Danfo buses were Volkswagen Kombis, designed to carry twelve passengers.
Distinctive for their yellow color and hand-painted signs, over time, Danfos have become integral to Lagos, transporting millions of students, traders, and professionals daily. The conductors and drivers, navigating chaotic traffic, have also become cultural icons in their own right.
However, this week, Lagosians were hit with the news that the Lagos State Government’s plans to ban Danfo and Korope buses along the Lekki-Epe corridor starting from October 1, 2024. This move is part of the state's Bus Reform Initiative, aiming to modernize and streamline public transport in one of Nigeria’s busiest cities. But what does this mean for the millions who depend on these buses? This week we look into the technicalities of the ban, and the implications on Lagosians' daily lives.
Suotunimi Orufa
Features Writer, Ventures Africa
What’s new?
What will Lagos pay to replace Danfos with its mass transit initiative?
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