Ekiti CNG Bus Rollout: 50% Fare Cut Targets Commuters as Ado-Ekiti Links Major Cities
Ekiti CNG Bus Rollout: 50% Fare Cut Targets Commuters as Ado-Ekiti Links Major Cities
By Akin Alade
The Ekiti State Government has begun implementing a major public transportation intervention aimed at reducing the cost of travelling for residents, with 15 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses deployed as part of plans to achieve a 50 per cent reduction in transport fares.
Governor Biodun Oyebanji flagged off the buses at the Ekiti State Transportation Agency in Ado-Ekiti, describing the initiative as an initial phase of a broader transportation reform designed to make mobility more affordable for residents and travellers. The buses were donated to the state by the Federal Government.
Rather than limiting the intervention to intra-state movement, the government says the new CNG buses will serve major interstate routes. According to the Director-General of the Ekiti State Transportation Agency, Tajudeen Akingbolu, routes have been mapped from Ado-Ekiti to Lagos, Ibadan, Onitsha and Abuja, potentially giving commuters access to more affordable long-distance transportation.
The 15-bus deployment is being treated as a pilot programme, with the state government indicating that the fleet will be expanded to reach more residents. The approach is expected to give the government and transport operators an opportunity to assess the impact of CNG-powered buses before a wider rollout.
Oyebanji also appealed to transport unions to ensure that the savings generated from the CNG buses are reflected in what passengers pay. The governor said the objective was for commuters to benefit directly from the intervention through lower transport costs.
The initiative comes against the backdrop of sustained pressure from transportation costs on households and businesses. By introducing buses powered by CNG, the state is seeking to use lower operating costs to create room for cheaper fares while maintaining access to regular public transportation.
The governor linked the intervention to the Federal Government’s broader efforts to reduce transportation costs across the country. He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the provision of the buses, saying the intervention would help states translate available resources into programmes with direct benefits for residents.
For Ekiti commuters, the major test will now be whether the proposed savings are consistently passed on to passengers. Effective monitoring of fares, transparent management of the buses and adequate maintenance will therefore be important as the programme moves beyond its pilot stage.
With Ado-Ekiti connected through the planned CNG routes to Lagos, Ibadan, Onitsha and Abuja, the initiative could also provide a more affordable option for students, workers, traders and other residents who regularly travel outside the state. The state government says it intends to expand the programme as part of its efforts to improve access to affordable and reliable transportation.
