DEVELOPMENT
Over 31,500 Commuters Enjoy Free Electric Bus Rides as Abia Government Records Strong Public Confidence in Transport Reforms
The Abia State Government has disclosed that more than 31,500 residents have benefitted from the ongoing free electric bus rides introduced under the pilot phase of the state’s mass transit programme, underscoring growing public trust in the Alex Otti administration’s transport reforms.
The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, made this known on Monday at the Government House, Umuahia, while briefing journalists on the outcome of the first 2026 weekly State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.
Prince Kanu noted that the impressive commuter turnout since the launch of the electric buses reflects citizens’ confidence in the government’s vision to modernise urban mobility, reduce transportation costs, and promote environmentally friendly transit solutions across the state.
According to him, the free rides will remain in place until the buses fully transition into commercial operations.
“The free rides will continue until the full commercial services commence .The supporting infrastructure for the operations of the bus mass transit service such as the Ultra Modern Bus Terminal, junction improvement works in Umuahia, the installation of the charging stations, and all other support infrastructure are being readied for the full commencement of the bus commercial services,” Prince Kanu stated.
He explained that government is deliberately taking time to ensure that all critical infrastructure and operational frameworks are completed to international standards before the commencement of paid services, stressing that the initiative is part of a broader strategy to reposition Abia as a model for smart and sustainable transportation in Nigeria.
Responding to questions on reports of crowding and passenger rush at some bus stops, the Commissioner for Transport, Dr Chimezie Isaac Ukaegbu, described the situation as a normal learning curve associated with pilot programmes, especially one attracting widespread public interest.
“You know, like I said initially, this is the pilot stage, and the pilot stage is the learning period.
“I know in all the bus shelters, we’ve actually procured the services of the Harmonised Task Force, and of course, Homeland Security for the provision of security at the bus shelters. The essence of having them at the bus shelters is to make sure that passengers feel safe.
“They know this is a new thing. It’s just the first of its kind. And because it’s free, we will see a lot of people trying to board the buses at the same time. They will take notice of that, and it will be corrected,” Dr Ukaegbu explained.
He assured commuters that crowd control measures, improved scheduling, and public sensitisation would continue to be strengthened as residents become more familiar with the system.
Also present at the press briefing were the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Elder Goodluck Ubochi, and the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Transport, Dr Obioma Nwaogbe, further highlighting the administration’s inter-ministerial collaboration in delivering people-oriented reforms.
The electric bus initiative is one of several flagship projects under Governor Alex Otti’s agenda to improve infrastructure, enhance quality of life, and drive sustainable devel
opment in Abia State.