NEWS
Rising Transport Costs Push Agbama Residents to the Brink as Civil Servants in Umuahia South Call for Urgent Govt Intervention Through Green Shuttle Bus Scheme
Civil servants and residents living in Agbama Housing Estate in Umuahia South Local Government Area of Abia State have raised alarm over the escalating cost of transportation, describing the situation as increasingly unbearable for workers who rely heavily on public transport for their daily commute.
The growing concern comes amid a steady rise in transport fares, which many say has significantly strained their already limited monthly earnings. For a large number of civil servants residing in the Agbama axis, commuting to various parts of Umuahia has become a daily financial burden, with transportation expenses now consuming a substantial portion of their income.
Several affected workers who spoke with our correspondent lamented that the continuous hike in fares has disrupted their financial stability, making it difficult to meet other essential needs. They collectively called on the Abia State Government to urgently intervene by introducing a structured shuttle bus system that would provide affordable, reliable, and efficient transportation for workers.
Mr. Michael, a civil servant and resident of Agbama, expressed deep frustration over the situation, noting that the cost of commuting to work has nearly doubled in recent months. He attributed the sharp increase in fares to the rising cost of fuel and the prevailing economic challenges across the country. According to him, transport operators frequently adjust fares without prior notice, leaving commuters with no option but to comply.
Another civil servant, who preferred to remain anonymous, disclosed that transportation expenses now exceed the official transport allowance provided to workers.
She urged the administration of Governor Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, to take immediate steps toward alleviating the burden by introducing shuttle buses specifically for residents of Agbama.
She proposed a structured route system where buses would convey workers from Agbama Gate and World Bank Estate in the mornings and return them after work hours. She explained that such an initiative would significantly reduce daily commuting costs and improve the overall welfare of workers, adding that the current situation has become increasingly difficult to manage.
Also sharing her experience, Mrs. Joy, a resident of Agbama, highlighted the multiple challenges faced by commuters in the area. She revealed that she often relies on two separate tricycle rides to get to work each day, a situation that considerably increases her daily expenses. Beyond the financial strain, she described the journey as physically exhausting and time-consuming.
According to her, long waiting times at Agbama Gate in search of available tricycles frequently cause delays, sometimes making her arrive late to work. She further noted that the inconvenience of switching between multiple tricycles adds to the discomfort and stress of the daily commute.
Mrs. Joy appealed to the Abia State Government under the leadership of Dr. Alex Otti to come to the aid of workers by introducing shuttle buses that would provide direct and more convenient transportation. She emphasized that such a system would eliminate the need for multiple trips and significantly ease the daily struggles faced by commuters.
In a unified call, residents of Agbama Housing Estate urged the state government to take swift and decisive action by deploying shuttle buses along key routes connecting Agbama and World Bank Estate, particularly during peak morning and afternoon hours.
They stressed that beyond easing the burden on civil servants, the introduction of shuttle buses would also benefit students, traders, and other residents within the area.
According to them, improved transportation would enhance productivity among workers and stimulate economic activities across the Agbama and World Bank corridors.
Despite the prevailing hardship, residents remain hopeful that their concerns will receive prompt attention from the government. They expressed confidence that the implementation of a shuttle bus system would go a long way in addressing the challenges posed by the persistent rise in transportation costs and ultimately improve the quality of life for people in the area.