The acting director-general of the Kaduna State Transport Regulatory Authority (KADSTRA), Engr. Inuwa Ibrahim, has disclosed that commuters in Kaduna State saved more than N3.5 billion in transportation costs within one year of the state government’s free Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) bus scheme.
Ibrahim disclosed this during an inspection of newly constructed CNG bus stops in Kaduna.
Inuwa, who is also the acting managing director of Kaduna Line, said the free mass transit scheme is one of the flagship initiatives of governor Uba Sani’s administration aimed at providing affordable, safe and efficient transportation while cushioning the impact of rising transport costs on residents.
He said the state government is constructing 200 modern bus stops to support the operation of 100 CNG-powered buses currently providing free transport services across the state.
According to him, the buses operate daily from morning until evening, conveying passengers free of charge along designated routes.
He said one of the major routes, stretching from Rigachikun through Kawo to Sabon Tasha, serves more than 30 communities, making transportation easier and more accessible for residents.
“Within one year of operation, over 3.2 million residents have benefited from the scheme, while commuters have saved more than N3.5 billion in transportation costs,” Ibrahim said.
The KADSTRA boss also disclosed that construction of the bus stops was progressing steadily, with more than 80 per cent already completed, while work on the remaining facilities was nearing completion.
He also revealed that the transport system had been fully digitised through the deployment of an Intelligent Transport System (ITS) to enhance operational efficiency and security.
“The buses are equipped with Intelligent Transport System devices, making them fully computerised. Through our control centre, we can monitor the movement of every vehicle in real time as well as activities taking place at the bus stops for effective management and security purposes,” he said.
He noted that the digital monitoring system would improve service delivery, strengthen oversight of the state’s public transport network and ensure the safety of passengers.
Ibrahim reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to completing the remaining transport infrastructure and expanding access to reliable, affordable and environmentally friendly transportation.
He added that the free CNG bus scheme would soon commence operations in Zaria and Kafanchan following the establishment of CNG filling stations in the two cities.
We’ve got the edge. Get real-time reports, breaking scoops, and exclusive angles delivered straight to your phone. Don’t settle for stale news. Join LEADERSHIP NEWS on WhatsApp for 24/7 updates →
Join Our WhatsApp Channel
