The Ekiti State Government has initiated a plan to reduce transport fares by 50% through the deployment of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered buses. This move aims to alleviate the impact of rising transportation costs on residents and provide affordable public transport. Governor Biodun Oyebanji launched the initiative in Ado Ekiti with the inauguration of 15 CNG buses donated by the Federal Government. These buses mark the first phase of the project, with plans to expand the fleet to serve more residents.
Governor Oyebanji emphasized that the state is responding to the Federal Government's directive to find ways of reducing transportation costs. He expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for the intervention, noting that the buses will help reduce the transportation burden on residents. The governor urged transport unions to ensure that the benefits of the CNG buses are passed on to commuters, enabling them to enjoy the 50% fare reduction.
The 15 CNG buses will be distributed to transport unions, with the Ekiti State Transportation Agency managing the initiative. Governor Oyebanji inspected ongoing projects across the state and commended President Tinubu's economic policies, which have provided more resources for states to implement projects. He highlighted that the availability of resources is crucial for leaders to turn their visions into reality.
The Director-General of the Ekiti State Transportation Agency, Tajudeen Akingbolu, revealed that routes have been mapped out for the CNG buses to operate between Ado Ekiti and major cities such as Lagos, Ibadan, Onitsha, and Abuja. This development is expected to provide residents with more affordable and reliable interstate transportation, reducing the burden of high transport fares.
The introduction of CNG buses is part of the state's efforts to promote affordable and accessible public transportation. Governor Oyebanji was accompanied by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele at the flag-off ceremony held at the premises of the Ekiti State Transportation Agency. The governor's initiative aims to cushion the impact of rising transportation costs on residents.
The Ekiti State Government's move to reduce transport fares is in line with the Federal Government's directive to state governors to find ways of reducing transportation costs by October 1. Governor Oyebanji noted that the President charged all state governors to take action in this regard, as transportation costs contribute significantly to the current economic challenges.
With the introduction of CNG buses, the Ekiti State Government is taking steps to provide relief to residents facing high transportation costs. The state's efforts to expand the fleet of CNG buses will be crucial in achieving the goal of reducing transport fares by 50%. The success of this initiative will depend on the cooperation of transport unions and the effective management of the Ekiti State Transportation Agency.
Key points
- The Ekiti State Government aims to reduce transport fares by 50% through the deployment of CNG-powered buses.
- The initiative is part of the state's response to the Federal Government's directive to reduce transportation costs.
- The first phase of the project includes 15 CNG buses, with plans to expand the fleet to serve more residents.
