The Ekiti State Government has started deploying Compressed Natural Gas buses to reduce transport fares by 50% and ease the burden of transportation costs on residents. This initiative was announced by Governor Biodun Oyebanji during the official flag-off of 15 CNG buses at the Ekiti State Transportation Agency in Ado-Ekiti. The deployment coincided with Nigeria's Independence Day and the 30th anniversary of Ekiti State.
The 15 buses, donated by the Federal Government, represent the pilot phase of the initiative. Governor Oyebanji was accompanied by Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, during the flag-off. The governor stated that the state government would expand the fleet to ensure more residents benefit from the intervention. This move aims to provide affordable and accessible public transportation in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's directive.
According to Governor Oyebanji, reducing transportation costs is essential to easing the economic burden on citizens. He mentioned that President Tinubu charged all state governors to find a way to reduce transportation costs by October 1st. The CNG buses will be distributed to transport unions, and the Ekiti State Transportation Agency will manage them. Oyebanji urged transport unions to ensure the benefits of the CNG buses are passed directly to commuters through reduced fares.
The governor expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for the Federal Government's intervention, stating that the provision of the buses would significantly reduce the transportation burden on residents. Oyebanji also highlighted that the administration's economic policies have created opportunities for states to implement programs and projects that directly affect citizens' lives.
The Director-General of the Ekiti State Transportation Agency, Tajudeen Akingbolu, stated that routes had already been mapped out for the CNG buses. The buses will operate on routes linking Ado-Ekiti with Lagos, Ibadan, Onitsha, and Abuja. This initiative aims to provide residents with more affordable and reliable interstate transportation while reducing the impact of high transport fares on commuters.
The state government said it would continue to explore measures aimed at reducing transportation costs and improving access to affordable public transportation across Ekiti State. Governor Oyebanji emphasized that the President's support has enabled the state to translate its vision into action and impact for the people. The CNG buses are expected to contribute significantly to reducing the transportation burden on residents.
The deployment of CNG buses is part of the state government's efforts to provide affordable and accessible public transportation. With the pilot phase underway, the state government plans to expand the fleet to reach more residents. The initiative is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of citizens in Ekiti State by reducing transportation costs and improving access to affordable public transportation.
Key points
- Ekiti state government deploys 15 CNG buses to reduce transport fares by 50%
- The buses will operate on routes linking Ado-Ekiti with Lagos, Ibadan, Onitsha, and Abuja
- The initiative aims to provide residents with more affordable and reliable interstate transportation
