The Kaduna State Transport Regulatory Authority has said that the soon-to-be-launched Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project will drastically cut transportation costs and improve urban mobility across the state.
Speaking during a stakeholders’ engagement and focus group discussion in Kaduna, the Director-General of the Authority, Engr. Inuwa Ibrahim, noted that the initiative was part of ongoing efforts by the State government to reform and modernise the transport sector.
He explained that the BRT system is expected to decongest traffic, enhance commuter safety and raise the living standards of residents in Kaduna metropolis and beyond.
Engr. Ibrahim recalled that Governor Uba Sani had, two months ago, flagged off the deployment of over 100 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered buses to serve major urban centres including Kaduna City, Zaria, and Kafanchan.
According to him, the launch marks a critical step in the state’s journey towards a safer and more efficient public transport network.
The DG urged the participants to disseminate the knowledge acquired during the engagement to their various communities, saying broad public support is essential for the success of the BRT project.
Also speaking at the event, Team Leader of the Rebel Artic Joint Venture, Mr. Ted Regino, assured that the project would be delivered before the year 2027, adding that his firm has a track record of successfully delivering major infrastructure projects around the world, and would replicate the same in Kaduna State.
On her part, the President of Jam’iyyar Matan Arewa, Hajiya Rabi Saulawa, commended the State government for the initiative, describing it as a welcome development, especially for women.
“The BRT will ease movement for women who go to markets, hospitals, schools, and workplaces regularly. It will bring great relief to many families”.
Some participants at the forum raised concerns about the need for proper maintenance of the buses, sustainability of the project, and the prevention of challenges such as ticket racketeering.
The meeting drew participants from across the transport sector, civil society, traditional and religious institutions, and the media.
