The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has approved the extension of the free bus scheme implemented by the state government to April 2024.
The free transport scheme was introduced in September 2023 for an initial two-month period to cushion the effect of the fuel subsidy removal by the Federal Government on the people of the State.
Following the success of the first phase which benefited over 1.5m Edo people, the governor thereafter extended the palliative programme till February 2024.
The free transport scheme covers all intra and intercity routes operated by the State-owned Edo City Transport Services (ECTS), including Auchi – Igarra – Ibillo–Ososo; Uzebba–Ikhin – Otuo, and Abudu-Ubiaja, Abudu-Urhonigbe and Ewohimi to Ewatto.
READ ALSO: Obaseki orders re accreditation of State Security Vigilante Network
The intra-city routes are Ramat–Kingsquare; New Benin–Kingsquare; Kingsquare – Ekenwan Road; Kingsquare–Airport Road; Kingsquare–Sapele Road and Kingsquare – Adesuwa, Kingsquare–Ogida; New Benin – Upper Mission; Kingsquare–Ugbowo; Kingsquare–Agbor Road; Kingsquare–Upper Sokponba; New Benin – Ugbowo and New Benin–Aduwawa.
In a statement, the Managing Director of Edo State Transport Authority (ESTA), Mrs. Edugie Agbonlahor said the extension is in furtherance of the government’s commitment to the welfare of Edo people, noting that the free bus scheme will now run till April 2024.
According to her, “His Excellency, the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has graciously approved the extension of the free bus service till April 2024.
“The decision is on the back of the success and feedback that have trailed the five-month programme and in furtherance of the government’s commitment to the welfare of Edo people, especially in the face of recent economic challenges caused by the federal government’s fuel subsidy removal.”
Agbonlahor added, “The Edo State Government extends its sincere gratitude to the people of Edo State for their unwavering support and cooperation throughout the implementation period of the free bus scheme leading to the huge success so far recorded and assure of sustained efforts to improve the livelihoods and ease the burdens of the people amid the harsh economic realities.”