Ekiti Deploys 15 CNG Buses, Targets 50% Cut in Transport Fares

The Ekiti State Government has begun deploying Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses as part of efforts to reduce transportation costs and ease the financial burden on residents.

Governor Biodun Oyebanji announced the initiative on Thursday during the official flag-off of 15 CNG buses at the premises of the Ekiti State Transportation Agency in Ado-Ekiti.

The deployment, which coincided with Nigeria’s Independence Day and the 30th anniversary of Ekiti State, is part of efforts to provide affordable and accessible public transportation in line with the Federal Government’s directive to state governors.

Oyebanji, who was accompanied by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, said the 15 buses, donated to the state by the Federal Government, represented the pilot phase of the programme.

He said the state government would expand the fleet to enable more residents to benefit from the initiative.

According to the governor, reducing transportation costs is essential to easing the economic pressure on citizens. He urged transport unions to ensure that the savings from the CNG buses were transferred directly to commuters through lower fares.

Oyebanji said the initiative was expected to reduce transportation costs by as much as 50 per cent.

The governor also thanked President Bola Tinubu for supporting the state with the buses, saying the intervention would help reduce the transportation burden on residents.

Meanwhile, the Director-General of the Ekiti State Transportation Agency, Tajudeen Akingbolu, disclosed that routes had already been mapped out for the buses.

He said the CNG buses would operate on routes connecting Ado-Ekiti with Lagos, Ibadan, Onitsha and Abuja.

Akingbolu added that the programme would provide residents with more affordable and reliable interstate transportation while reducing the impact of high transport fares.

The state government said it would continue to introduce measures aimed at reducing transportation costs and improving access to affordable public transportation across Ekiti State.

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