Bayelsa Commuters Groan Under Transport Fares

Workers, traders and transport operators in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, say transportation expenses are putting pressure on their earnings, forcing them to adjust their spending and business activities.

For workers travelling between Yenagoa and neighbouring communities, return journeys can cost thousands of naira, while traders complain that rising fares are reducing profits as customers struggle with limited purchasing power.

Dimie Isenah, an employee of the Bayelsa State Board of Internal Revenue, said he spends N6,000 on a return journey between Yenagoa and Kaiama in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area.

According to him, the journey from Ekeki Motor Park to Kaiama costs N2,500 each way, while transportation between his home and the motor park costs another N500 per trip.

He said additional movements within Yenagoa could raise his daily transportation expenses to N9,000.

“If I want to go out for other activities, I may spend an additional N3,000, bringing the total to N9,000,” he said.

Isenah added that travelling to Sagbama also costs N2,500 each way.

Although he does not commute to Kaiama every working day, he said transportation and feeding expenses affect his financial decisions.

He explained that daily commuting would be impractical, making accommodation near his workplace preferable. His office has provided accommodation, although he still incurs local transportation costs.

He estimated that his transportation expenses could reach about N50,000 when other movements were included.

Precious Asimgbi, a petty trader who travels daily from Swali to Ekeki to sell food items, said transportation costs had become a burden on her business.

“Transport fares have doubled, but my customers no longer have enough money to buy goods. I am making losses,” she said.

Her experience reflects the difficulties faced by small-scale traders who must pay to transport themselves and their goods while dealing with customers whose purchasing power has weakened.

Transport operators say they are also struggling with rising operating expenses.

Daniel, a commercial minibus driver operating along the Mbiama-Yenagoa road, expressed concern over frequent changes in fuel prices, which he said made financial planning difficult.

Similarly, Emmanuel Nwunne, a commercial tricycle operator, said fuel consumed a significant share of his earnings.

“I spend almost half of what I earn on fuel alone,” he said.

Describing fuel prices as a major concern for residents, Nwunne added: “This is the biggest problem facing ordinary Bayelsans.”

The accounts highlight how transport costs affect workers’ disposable income, traders’ profits and operators’ ability to sustain their businesses.