Abia Rolls Out Cashless Payment For Green Shuttle Buses

The Abia State Government has begun the full deployment of the Abia Connect Card, a cashless payment solution introduced for the Green Shuttle Bus Service as part of measures to modernise public transportation across the state.

The programme, spearheaded by the Ministry of Transportation under the administration of Alex Otti, is designed to provide residents with a more convenient and efficient commuting experience.

In a statement released on Sunday by the commissioner for information, Okey Kanu, through the Abia Ministry of Information’s official channels, the government described the initiative as a significant step toward establishing a digital, transparent and efficient transport system.

The statement explained that the Abia Connect Card, also referred to as the “Abia State Card,” removes challenges commonly associated with cash transactions, such as delays, disputes over change and revenue leakages.

“We are intentionally moving away from the hassles of cash transactions. With the Abia Connect Card, commuting becomes as simple as a single tap. It is efficient, reliable, and designed to ensure that our public transport system works effectively for everyone,” the statement read.

According to the government, the first card is being issued free of charge and is available at designated Green Shuttle terminals and approved agent locations in Aba and Umuahia.

Applicants are required to present their ABSSIN to obtain the card. Those yet to enrol can register through the Abia Pay portal.

Once activated and funded — subject to a ₦50 top-up fee — commuters are expected to tap the card on the payment device upon boarding. A confirmation sound will indicate that the transaction has been successfully completed.

The statement further noted that the card has no expiry date, and funds loaded onto it remain valid indefinitely. The Green Shuttle Service operates both inter-city and intra-city routes across the state.

Kanu disclosed that inter-city fares are set at ₦800 for the Aba, Umuahia route and ₦1,000 for Umuahia, Ohafia, while intra-city trips within Aba and Umuahia attract a flat fare of ₦150 on designated routes.

The government urged residents to take advantage of the ongoing free distribution of the card, emphasising that the initiative is aimed at strengthening accountability and transparency within the transport sector.

“Our objective remains clear: to make Abia State’s transport system a model of innovation, efficiency and transparency in Nigeria.

“I encourage all residents to obtain their cards and be part of this transformative journey toward a smarter Abia,” the statement added.