ALBON, Others Laud Federal Govt Over 50% Reduction In Transport Fares

The Association of Luxury Bus Owners of Nigeria (ALBON), the organization overseeing the Owners/Operators of Long Distance Mass Transit Inter-State Bus Service, has appreciated the federal government for announcing 50 per cent discount on transport fares within this holiday season.

The association, which announced the full implementation of the policy, said this substantial discount, approved by President Ahmed Tinubu, took effect from Thursday, December 21, 2023, and it will run through January 4, 2024, on select routes operated by ALBON members.

President and Hon. Secretary of the association, Mr. Nonso Ubajaka and Mr. Frank Nneji respectively, in a statement in Abuja, urged passengers to take advantage of the president’s magnanimous gesture.

Meanwhile, LEADERSHIP investigation showed that, “God Is Good motors, Chievo, De Young Shall Grow, God Bless Ezenwa are some of the transport companies currently implementing the policy. 

However, one of the passengers, Ikedi Jude, who spoke to me, said the policy is not properly structured as it doesn’t benefit southerns. 

He stated that companies like Peace Mass Transit, Ifesichi Motors should have been included as they move many passengers from Abuja and Lagos to the Southern part of the country more.

This is even as former presidential candidate, Peter Obi has praised the initiative but expressed worry of permanent solution rather than quick fix.

In a statement released by Obi, he said: “step in the right direction” but questioned the lack of a long-term plan to address the underlying issue of high transportation costs.

He further raised doubts about the policy’s rollout, claiming investigations in major transport hubs across the country revealed widespread unawareness among operators.

On the free train service, the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC),  said intending passengers who which to follow the free train service as announced by the president, will register online and obtain the tickets for free as those without tickets will not be allowed to board. 

The NRC in a statement signed by its management, said: “passengers are advised to obtain their free tickets via the online e-ticketing platforms only. Tickets will not be issued at any of the corporation’s train stations.

Meanwhile, the minister of Solid Minerals Development, Hon. Dele Alake, while making the announcement of free train service and 50 per cent discount on road transport, had stated that aeroplane passengers are not included as the policy is targeted at the less privileged.