The Federal Government's palliative transport initiative is aimed at providing subsidized fares to commuters in 12 states, including Edo and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The plan, implemented in collaboration with unions and key transport companies, aims to cushion the high cost of transport during the festive season.
The Road Transport Employees Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), together with the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Association of Luxury Bus Owners of Nigeria (ALBON), Good is Good Motors (GIGM) and the National Association of Highway Transportation Owners (NARTO), signed a Memorandum of Understanding to ensure the successful implementation of the program.
However, RTEAN has published a fare list showing reduced prices for several destinations under the plan, which runs from December 24, 2024 to January 5, 2025. The subsidized fares include:
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Abuja to Asaba or Akwa: ₦17,500 Abuja to Abakaliki: ₦12,500 Abuja to Dutse: ₦7,500 Lagos to Benin: ₦7,500 Lagos to Onitsha, Katsina or Lafia: ₦15,000 Lagos to Bauchi or Jigawa: ₦12,500 from Lagos to Kebbi or Yola: ₦20,000
Confirming the launch of the initiative, RTEAN National General Secretary Yusuf Ibrahim explained that the routes listed represent areas allocated to the union.
“At our designated parks, buses are present or already en route to their destinations. In some states, we load nine or 12 buses daily, depending on instructions. Once the space is filled, subsequent travelers will pay the regular fare,” he said.
He added: “We are ready to expand to more routes, but we must comply with the directives provided by the Ministry of Transport.”
Despite the federal government's efforts, so far only RTEAN and GIGM buses appear to be actively participating in the scheme. Visits to Oshodi Park in Lagos and Kuto Garage in Ogun revealed that GIGM buses loaded passengers at subsidized fares, while other transport operators continued to charge full prices.
GIGM CEO Enahoro Okhae confirmed his participation. “We have started as agreed and our buses are available at Oshodi terminal. Passengers can also book their tickets online,” he noted.
This transport subsidy initiative, which also includes free rail services from December 20, 2024, underlines the Federal Government's commitment to reducing the financial burden of travel on Nigerians during the holiday period.
NIGERIAN TRIBUNE