Living in Lagos is not for the faint of heart. The sheer amount of stress you have to experience daily is insane. Interestingly, there is a whole different level of problems when you stay in Lagos without a car.
If you just moved to Lagos or you haven’t bought a car yet, these tips might help you survive till you get your own four-wheeled chariot.
Know the peak periods
I have a theory that the quote “Work smart, not hard,” was made by someone living without a car in Lagos. For you to successfully navigate this city, you need to know when to be on the road and when to be in your house.
The city’s traffic has peak periods, usually twice a day, and you don’t want to be found looking for a bus or trying to get somewhere in those times. The great thing about this tip is that it even applies to those with cars.
Get Ready To Fight For Buses
Only two things that can stop you from fighting for a bus in Lagos. It’s either you have a car or you’re rich enough to take a cab everywhere. If taking buses is part of your routine, then I’m sorry to break it to you, a day will come when you will have to strive and struggle for a bus as if it’s your ticket to heaven. Don’t feel ashamed about it, we’ve all been there before. It’s either that or you spend more time at the bus stop.
Mix It Up
As someone without a car, you must learn to combine multiple transportation systems. For example, it is the middle of the month and you’re running out of cash, but you’re going to a place that requires you to look peng like a party or a date. You don’t have to spend all your money on an Uber.
You can easily take a bike/bus to the closest major stop to your destination and book an Uber from there. That way, you save money and you get to your destination looking smooth. Everybody wins.
Stay Home On Rainy Days
The rainy season is one of the worst times to be without a car in Lagos. Too many things can go wrong at the same time.
You could either get splashed with mud on your way to work, slip and fall on the wet ground, get soaked by the rain, freeze in the cold, spend hours on a bus because of traffic or be forced to trek long distances because you can’t find a bus. I could go on and on. All I’m saying is if you can avoid it, don’t go out when it’s raining or just after it has rained.
Plan Your Movement
If you don’t have a car, there are some places you should avoid going to. The amount of buses you’d need to get there is a lot and using an Uber will set you back a few thousands.
Some of the places you should avoid include Ikorodu, anywhere after Lekki Phase One, Badagry and anywhere after Berger. These are the parts of Lagos I wouldn’t go to without a car, you probably shouldn’t too.
At Ikorodu, you’ll spend two hours queuing to get a BRT at the Garage and another two hours to get past Mile 12, Ketu and reach the real Lagos.
You Will Like Trekking
If you do not have a car, then trekking will be part of your Lagos experience. Even if you do not plan for it, you will still have to do it. Sometimes, it’s better to trek than sit in traffic for five hours or wait at a bus stop for two hours.
Use Your Maps
Before you go out, check for traffic congestion on your maps. This will help determine your movement and possible routes.
Being stuck in traffic in your comfortable car with cushioned seats while the AC blows on you is very different from being stuck in a bus that has a wooden bench for seats and iron contraptions for the backrest. Even if you use an Uber, traffic can easily make you pay triple what you would have paid. Always do your best to avoid traffic.
Get An Eden Life Subscription
With an Eden Life subscription, you get to spend less time in traffic by totally eliminating market runs, food buying and restaurant hopping. All the meals you get at high-end restaurants will be served to you in the comfort of your home. No trekking or bus fighting, just delicious, chef-cooked meals brought to your doorstep. Relax, let us take care of you.
Navigating Lagos with or without a car isn’t easy at all. We hold a biweekly Twitter Space on Saturday mornings called Hacking Lagos to talk about Lagos and how you can get the best from life in the city that never sleeps. Don’t miss it.