Ekiti State has begun moves to halve transport fares with 15 CNG buses deployed across interstate routes to ease costs.
Ekiti State government on Thursday commenced moves aimed at reducing transport fares by 50 percent across the State, with the deployment of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses to cushion the effect of transportation cost on residents.
The State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, said the deployment of the CNG buses, which conicided with the Indeoendence Day and 30th anniversary celebrations, marked a major step in government’s move to reduce transport cost for the citizens in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu directives.
He added that the state has commenced the process of cutting transport fare by 59 percent through the rollout of 15 CNG buses donated to the state by the Federal Government as part of efforts to promote affordable and accessible public transportation, adding that the State would expand the fleet of vehicles in order to serve the residents better.
Governor Oyebanji who was accompanied by the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, at the official flag off of the vehicles at the premises of Ekiti State Transportation Agency in Ado Ekiti on Thursday, said government would continue to explore avenues to reduce the burden of the citizens.
Speaking with journalists shortly after inspecting the fleet of vehicles, Governor Oyebanji expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the intervention, noting that the provision of the buses would contribute significantly to reducing the burden of transportation on the people. He added that the initiative demonstrates the commitment of both the state and federal government to improving the welfare of the people.
The Governor added that the CNG buses would provide a more affordable means of transpiration for residents across the state, urging the drivers union to ensure that the gains are transmitted to the commuters.
