The Ekiti State government has begun moves to cut transport fares by 50 percent across the state, deploying Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses to alleviate the burden of transportation costs on residents. This initiative marks a major step in the government's effort to reduce transport costs for citizens, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's directives. The deployment of the CNG buses coincided with the Independence Day and 30th anniversary celebrations.
The state governor, Biodun Oyebanji, officially flagged off the 15 CNG buses donated by the Federal Government at the Ekiti State Transportation Agency in Ado Ekiti. He thanked President Tinubu for the intervention, noting that the buses would significantly reduce the burden of transportation on the people. Oyebanji added that the initiative demonstrates the commitment of both the state and federal government to improving the welfare of the people.
Governor Oyebanji emphasized that the CNG buses would provide a more affordable means of transportation for residents across the state. He urged the drivers' union to ensure that the gains are passed on to commuters. The governor also inspected ongoing projects in different parts of the state, hailing President Tinubu's economic policies, which he said had allowed more resources to carry out programs and projects that directly impact the people.
The Director General of the Ekiti State Transportation Agency, Tajudeen Akingbolu, disclosed that routes had been mapped out for the CNG buses to operate from Ado Ekiti to Lagos, Ibadan, Onitsha, and Abuja. The initiative aims to provide residents with more affordable and reliable interstate transportation while reducing the burden of high transport fares.
According to Governor Oyebanji, the state has commenced the process of cutting transport fares by 50 percent through the rollout of the 15 CNG buses. He added that the state would expand the fleet of vehicles to serve the residents better. The governor appealed to the unions to allow the gains to translate to the commuters, as this would reduce transportation costs.
The Ekiti State government's move to cut transport fares is part of a broader effort to reduce the burden on citizens. Governor Oyebanji noted that President Tinubu had charged all state governors to find a way of reducing transportation costs by October 1. The deployment of the CNG buses is a pilot project, with plans to expand the initiative to other parts of the state.
The introduction of the CNG buses is expected to have a positive impact on the state's transportation sector. With the goal of reducing transportation costs by 50 percent, the Ekiti State government is taking steps to make public transportation more affordable and accessible to residents. The government has expressed its commitment to continuing to explore avenues to reduce the burden on citizens.
Key points
- Ekiti State government deploys 15 CNG buses to reduce transport fares by 50 percent.
- The initiative aims to provide residents with more affordable and reliable interstate transportation.
- The state plans to expand the fleet of CNG buses to serve residents better.
