Abia’s Electric Buses to Offer Free Transport to Commuters during Yuletide Season – Ukaegbu

The Abia a state-owned electric bus transport scheme will offer free transport to commuters during the Yuletide season as part of a test run while the fare will be subsidised afterwards.

The Commissioner for Transport Dr Chimezie Ukaegbu, who disclosed this in an interview after this week’s executive Council meeting, said the scheme is designed for urban routes and not inter-state tavel.

Dr. Ukaegbu said the first 20 of the buses, which arrived the state last month will serve as pilot scheme with the takeoff point at the International Conference Centre Umuahia until the construction the Central Bus Terminal is completed.

He said: “Because we want to kickstart this programme, the buses are at ICC. So the charging stations will also be installed at the ICC to be able to charge the buses. It is a temporary measure until the Central Bus Terminal is completed.”

The Transport Commissioner used the forum to clarify that the intention of the government is not to take businesses away from the private people but to de-risk the business and allow investors to come into it

“We are not introducing this to take away businesses from the private people.

“What government is doing is to de-risk the business. We set the pace and allow private investors or individuals to come into it, and these are the people who actually can boost night operations or night businesses.”

Ukaegbu further informed that the buses will be managed by a bus operating motor company while the Minister of Transport supervises the operation.

Earlier the Commissioner for Information Prince Okey Kanu said the 40-seater Electric Buses were custom-built for Abia State and have the capacity to travel up to 400 kilometres on a single charge.

“They are equipped with modern safety and comfort features, including internal and rear cameras, mobile charging ports, disability-friendly access, emergency exits and fire extinguishers”, he said.