More than 3 million residents in Kaduna State have so far benefited from the free Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) mass transit scheme as part of efforts to improve transportation and ease movement of citizens in the state.
The Acting Managing Director of Kaduna Line and Acting Director General of the Kaduna State Transport Regulatory Authority (KADSTRA), Inuwa Ibrahim, disclosed this during an inspection of some of the newly constructed bus stops in Kaduna.
Ibrahim said the transport initiative was one of the key infrastructure projects of Governor Uba Sani’s administration aimed at providing affordable and efficient public transportation for residents.
He said the government was constructing 200 modern bus stops across the state to complement the deployment of 100 CNG-powered buses currently providing free transport services.
“As you can see, we are here today to witness the transport infrastructure development that has been undertaken by His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kaduna State, over the last three years.
“We are at one of the CNG transport bus stops. So far, about 200 bus stops are under construction across the state to support the operation of the 100 CNG buses already deployed,” he said.
According to him, the buses operate daily from morning until evening, conveying passengers free of charge along designated routes.
He explained that one of the major routes, running from Rigachikun through Kawo to Sabon Tasha, serves more than 30 communities, providing residents with easier access to transportation.
He said the transport initiative has saved commuters over ₦3.5 billion in transportation costs in one year
Ibrahim said the project was progressing steadily, adding that over 80 per cent of the bus stops had been completed, while the remaining ones would be delivered soon.
He also said the transport system had been fully digitised to enhance operational efficiency and security.
“The buses are equipped with Intelligent Transport System (ITS) devices, making them fully computerised.
“Through our control centre, we can monitor the movement of every vehicle in real time as well as activities taking place at the bus stops for effective management and security purposes,” he said.
The KADSTRA boss said the digital monitoring system would improve service delivery, ensure passenger safety and strengthen oversight of the state’s public transport network.
He reaffirmed the state’s commitment to completing the remaining infrastructure and expanding access to reliable and environmentally friendly transportation for residents.
Ibrahim said the CNG buses would soon begin operation in Zaria and Kafanchan, pending the establishment of CNG filling stations in the two locations.
