Abia Green Shuttle Mass Transit to Introduce E- ticketing as Free Services End February

Abia State Green Shuttle Mass Transit Scheme will fully transition to an Electronic Ticketing System at the conclusion of its ongoing pilot phase, currently offering free transportation services.

The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this Tuesday while briefing newsmen on the outcome of this week’s State Executive Council Meeting.

Kanu said the digital ticketing system is a major shift from cash-based public transport operations that will eliminate cash handling and the use of conductors.

He listed the features of the Electronic Ticketing System to include: to“counter-less smart cards, prepaid and pay-as-you-go options, real-time transaction recording and a centralised revenue monitoring dashboard.”

Kanu explained that the free ride, which will continue until February ending, would enable operators to gather sufficient data for route optimisation ahead of full commercial operations.

He added that when fares are introduced, pricing will be regulated by the government and based on distance and prevailing market rates for tricycles and mini-buses.

He further pointed out that the Abia State Green Shuttle Mass Transit Scheme will coexist with existing tricycle and mini-bus operators.

Prince Kanu noted that the pilot scheme, which commenced on 24 December 2025, has already attracted significant commuter demand.

He said between December 24 and January 29, the scheme has operated for 497 bus days and transported a total of 106,116 passengers over a total distance of 74,796.6 km.

“On the average, 14 buses were deployed daily, and each carried approximately 3,034 passengers daily. The pilot rollout has offered the bus operators an idea on the intra city and intercity mobility demands for the bus service.”

“Upon the full commencement of the Mass Transit Services, Abians will be expected to pay a token in order that the Mass Transit scheme is sustained.

“The whole aim is to totally transform the urban mass transit infrastructure industry while offering Abians a world-class experience in terms of the state-of-the-art bus transit services that will ensure affordability, comfort, and eco-friendly mass transit bus experience.”

Contributing, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Dr Obioma Nwaogbe, explained that public sensitization is ongoing to prepare residents for the digital ticketing system.

Nwaogbe emphasised that assistance would be provided for the elderly and non-digitally savvy, explaining that commuters would be able to load funds through vendors located at bus shelters.

He pointed out that the Green Shuttle scheme will operate alongside existing tricycle and mini-bus services, which he described as feeder or paratransit systems.