The Ekiti State government has commenced a move to reduce transport fares by 50 percent across the state with the deployment of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses. This initiative, flagged off on October 2, 2023, by Governor Biodun Oyebanji, aims to cushion the effect of transportation costs on residents. The rollout of 15 CNG buses, donated by the Federal Government, marks a significant step in the government's effort to provide affordable and accessible public transportation.
According to Governor Oyebanji, the state has commenced the process of cutting transport fares through the deployment of the CNG buses, which coincided with the Independence Day and 30th anniversary celebrations. He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the intervention, noting that the provision of the buses would significantly contribute to reducing the burden of transportation on the people. The Governor was accompanied by Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, during the official flag-off of the vehicles at the Ekiti State Transportation Agency in Ado Ekiti.
The CNG buses will operate on mapped-out routes from Ado Ekiti to Lagos, Ibadan, Onitsha, and Abuja, providing residents with more affordable and reliable interstate transportation while reducing the burden of high transport fares. The Director General of the Ekiti State Transportation Agency, Hon. Tajudeen Akingbolu, noted that the initiative would provide a more affordable means of transportation for residents across the state. The Governor urged the drivers' union to ensure that the gains are transmitted to the commuters.
Governor Oyebanji hailed President Tinubu's economic policies, which he said had allowed more resources to carry out programs and projects that have a direct impact on the people. He noted that the President's support had enabled the state to translate its vision into action and impact for the people. The Governor inspected ongoing projects in different parts of the state after inspecting the CNG buses.
The deployment of the CNG buses is a pilot project aimed at reducing transportation costs, with the Governor charging all state governors to find a way of reducing transportation costs by October 1. The Governor appealed to the unions to allow the gains to translate to the commuters, as this would reduce transportation costs by 50 percent. The state plans to expand the fleet of vehicles to serve residents better.
The Ekiti State government's initiative demonstrates its commitment to improving the welfare of the people, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's directives. The Governor emphasized that the government would continue to explore avenues to reduce the burden on citizens. The provision of the CNG buses is a significant step towards achieving this goal.
With the rollout of the 15 CNG buses, Ekiti State residents can expect a reduction in transportation costs, making it easier for them to move around the state and interstate. The government's effort to provide affordable and accessible public transportation is a welcome development, and residents are eagerly awaiting the impact of this initiative on their daily lives.
Key points
- Ekiti State government deploys 15 CNG buses to reduce transport fares by 50 percent.
- The buses will operate on mapped-out routes 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.
