The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) says it will begin penalising commuters who pay cash on any of its regulated transport services from Aug. 1. The authority said the measure is aimed at promoting accountability, transparency and full compliance with its cashless fare payment system across regulated transport operations. Commuters were also encouraged to report any driver or conductor requesting cash through LAMATA’s official email and customer service phone numbers. Head of Legal LAMATA, Mr Idris Akinola, said laws and regulations governing LAMATA required commuters to use the approved electronic payment method (the Cowry Card) on regulated public transport services. “Since every cash transaction involves both the person offering cash and the person accepting it, LAMATA believes both parties should be held accountable.