Road Transporters have deployed over 50 buses to Eagles Square in the Federal Capital Territory for the movement of passengers at a 50 percent discount from Abuja to any part of the country.

The buses belonging to the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), God is Good Motors (GIGM), and Association of Luxury Bus Owners of Nigeria (ALBON) were seen lined up at the Eagle square as early as 5 am waiting to start moving passengers.

Unfortunately, low passenger turnout marred the first day of the exercise, which preceded the Christmas celebrations

The Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Transportation Adeleye Adeboye, who was at Eagle Square to supervise the exercise said over 50 vehicles, including hybrid buses, are deployed to convey passengers from Abuja and Lagos to state capitals across Nigeria, except Anambra (Onitsha).

He said that the palliative was expected to run from December 24 2024 to January 5 2025 as part of the government?s commitment to facilitating affordable and accessible travel during the holidays.

He explained that the ministry decided to mobilize all the buses to a designated point to enhance monitoring and accountability of the whole process.

The Permanent Secretary while mentioning that the free railway transport has taken effect since last week said the railway network is projected to transport 20,000 passengers daily while the passenger projection: for road services will move about 288,644 passengers across 144 routes.

He stated that to ensure smooth operations, a centralized fare system has been adopted, eliminating the discrepancies experienced in previous years adding that return trips are also fully accounted for, allowing passengers to easily travel back to Abuja or other destinations.

The government?s decision to deploy hybrid vehicles running on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and conventional fuel demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to cost reduction and sustainability.

While challenges persist with CNG availability along certain routes, adequate refueling arrangements have been made to ensure uninterrupted service.

The representative of RTEAN, Muhammad Abubakar commended the Federal Government for this initiative.

He highlighted the pivotal role of transport unions in implementing the program and applauded the President for his proactive measures to alleviate the hardships caused by the removal of the petroleum subsidy.

He pledged the full support of the association in delivering quality service and ensuring Nigerians travel comfortably and safely during the festive season. (The Guardian)

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