CNG: Abuja commuters to enjoy 40% fare reduction
In a bid to alleviate transportation costs, the Federal Government has launched a 40% fare reduction for commuters in Abuja.
This initiative follows the successful installation of compressed natural gas (CNG) systems in taxis operating from the Area 1 motor park to various destinations within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
According to data from the Presidential CNG Initiative, fares from Area 1 to Gwagwalada have dropped from N1,500 to 900 Naira.
Similarly, fares to Bwari Duste have also reduced from N1,500 to 900 Naira. Other routes have seen notable price cuts, including Kuje, where the fare decreased from N1,200 to 720 Naira, and Mpape, which has been lowered from N1,000 to 600 Naira.
Engr. Michael Oluwagbemi, the Programme Director of the Presidential CNG Initiative, remarked, “The agreement reached with the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) has begun to yield results. We have achieved a 40% reduction in fares across various destinations.”
The program has successfully converted over 50% of taxis in Abuja to CNG, with aspirations to extend this number further. “Our target is to transition all taxis to CNG, which will ultimately lead to a significant reduction in transportation costs for residents,” he added.
In addition to the fare reductions, Oluwagbemi announced that mystery shoppers will be deployed to ensure compliance with the new fare structure and to identify non-compliant drivers. Commuters are encouraged to look for a special sticker on vehicles to verify that they are part of the CNG program.
Ibrahim Jubril, Secretary of the Garki Branch of NURTW, affirmed the union’s collaboration with the CNG initiative since its launch. “We have put in place a taskforce to monitor and ensure that the fare reductions are implemented effectively for converted vehicles,” he said.
As the government continues to roll out these measures, the focus remains on enhancing public transportation efficiency and affordability throughout Abuja.
Source: Vanguard newspaper
