NEWS
Abia State Mass Transit Scheme Moves from Free Rides to Subsidised Commercial Service with 50% Government Fare Support
By @TheKELVINATOR, The Eyes Opener News | March 9, 2026
In a significant development for public transportation in Abia State, the Government has officially transitioned its Mass Transit initiative from a free transportation scheme to a subsidised commercial service, providing commuters with a 50% fare subsidy, effective March 1, 2026.
The announcement was made by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, while briefing journalists on the outcome of this week’s Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.
Prince Kanu explained that the subsidy will cover all inter- and intra-city routes under the Bus Service Scheme, emphasizing that this transition is a strategic move aimed at ensuring the long-term sustainability of the programme.
“With the commercialisation of the mass transit scheme and the introduction of e-ticketing through the Abia Connect Card, obtaining the Abia State Social Administration Number becomes a conditional precedent for obtaining the Abia Connect Card,” he said.
To support the rollout, the Commissioner revealed that the Ministry of Transport, in collaboration with other government agencies including the Harmonised Tax Force, Homeland Security, and the Abia State Road Traffic Management Agency, has launched extensive sensitization and enforcement exercises. These initiatives are designed to assist commuters at the various bus stops and bus shelters across the State.
Prince Kanu further highlighted that enumerators and Touch-and-Pay agents have been deployed to help commuters register and load funds onto their transport cards, ensuring a smooth transition into the new system.
The State currently operates 70 bus shelters, with 30 located in Umuahia and 40 in Aba. According to the Commissioner, all 30 shelters in Umuahia are fully operational. In Aba, 38 shelters are operational, while two additional shelters are nearing completion.
“The 30 in Umuahia are operational, in Aba, 38 are operational, while two will soon be completed for operations,” he confirmed.
Highlighting the success of the programme, Prince Kanu disclosed that between December 24, 2025, and March 8, 2026, a total of 202,601 passengers have used the mass transit buses, describing the rollout as both “robust and successful.”
The briefing was also attended by the Honourable Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Chimezie Ukegbu, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr Ferdinard Ekeoma, who provided further insights into the State’s transport initiatives.
This transition marks a milestone in Abia State’s commitment to modernizing public transportation, combining government support with sustainable operations, technology-driven ticketing, and enhanced c
ommuter convenience.