Protective partitions have been installed between the rider and passengers in several localities across Lagos State where Keke vehicles operate. These partitions, known as the Simba Safety Shield, are transparent acrylic sheets designed by the Simba Group to safeguard riders and passengers during the commute.
Tricycles have become increasingly popular across the country since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic due to their advantages for social distancing. They facilitate limited number of passengers and allow open cross ventilation through the vehicles, aligning with guidelines from the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 and various State Governments limiting the number of passengers to three persons (driver plus two passengers) at any given time.
Mr Mahendra Pratap, National Head for Simba TVS, expressed gratitude to the engineering team for developing this innovative safety solution in a short period. He emphasized the significance of this safety accessory for Keke riders and acknowledged the positive response and scaling of production in just one day.
Lola James, a prominent public health practitioner and health advocate, highlighted the importance of innovative solutions such as the safety shield in preventing the spread of the virus. She recognized the role of the safety shield as an additional barrier of protection in ensuring the safety of Keke riders and passengers.
With the gradual return to movement, it is crucial to prioritize safe modes of public transport. Currently, tricycles equipped with these safety shields appear to be among the top choices.