The Ekiti State Government has begun deploying Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses in a bid to reduce transport fares by 50 per cent and ease the cost of transportation on residents.
Governor Biodun Oyebanji announced the initiative on Thursday during the official flag-off of 15 CNG buses at the premises of the Ekiti State Transportation Agency in Ado-Ekiti.
The deployment, which coincided with Nigeria’s Independence Day and the 30th anniversary of Ekiti State, forms part of efforts to provide affordable and accessible public transportation in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive.
Oyebanji, accompanied by Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, said the 15 buses, donated by the Federal Government, represent the pilot phase of the programme.
He added that the state government plans to expand the fleet so that more residents can benefit.
The governor appealed to transport unions to ensure the savings from the CNG buses are passed on directly to commuters through lower fares.
“My appeal is to the Unions; they should allow the gains to translate to the commuters because this will reduce transportation cost by 50 percent,” he said.
Director-General of the Ekiti State Transportation Agency, Tajudeen Akingbolu, said routes had already been mapped out for the buses.
They will operate on routes linking Ado-Ekiti with Lagos, Ibadan, Onitsha, and Abuja.