Abia Green Shuttle Service to Commence Instant Operations as Otti Unveils First 20 Units of Electric Buses

As part of the drive towards sustainable, efficient and modern urban transportation, Governor Alex Otti has officially launched the first phase of the Abia Green Shuttle Electric Bus Service, with the unveiling of 20 units for public transportation.

The buses will offer free rides to commuters starting tomorrow and are expected to ply major routes in the State including Umuahia, Aba, Umunneochi, Ohafia, Ukwa LGAs among others.

Governor Otti who announced this at the commissioning ceremony, held at the International Conference Center, Umuahia, described the initiative as a bold step towards the future and a deliberate move to align the State with global climate and sustainability goals.

He said the project, which began as a plan to procure Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Buses, was deliberately upgraded to Electric vehicles in line with the world’s transition towards net-zero emissions.

He said the buses will begin scheduled operations immediately, with free rides for commuters until January, as part of efforts to familiarise residents with the new system.

“So, what we expect today is that these buses will start moving. By tomorrow it will be on scheduled movement.

“We are starting small, so, maybe not all the 20 will be on the road at the same time but at least you’ll see a sizable number.

“As we use them, we learn and correct. There may be challenges left, right and centre.”

Speaking while commissioning the buses, the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, described the initiative as “extraordinary” and timely, given the global fight against pollution and climate change.

Okonjo-Iweala, congratulated Governor Otti and his team for what she described as visionary leadership, noting that the initiative would contribute to cleaner air and healthier cities.

She expressed optimism that the project would mark the beginning of environmentally friendly transport reforms in Abia.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Transport, Mr. Chimezie Ukegbu, described the launch as a historic milestone in the State’s transport evolution and attributed its success to Governor Otti’s leadership.

Ukaegbu noted that beyond environmental benefits, the electric bus programme would deliver long-term economic benefits including job creation, skills development among other social gains.

The Commissioner assured residents that the Ministry of Transport would continue to expand the initiative and work closely with Transport Unions and other Stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition.

The founder and president of COSCHARIS Group, manufacturer of the EV Buses, Dr. Cosmas Maduka revealed that Abia is the first State to launch electric buses in the country, expressing the hope that other States will follow suit.

“You can’t pick-pocket in this bus. When you are on this bus, everything you do is recorded and we can trace you wherever you are.”

Highlight of the event was a test ride around the city of Umuahia led by Governor Otti, to signal the official commencement of the Abia Green Shuttle Electric Bus Service.