Kaduna State Government’s free Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) mass transit scheme has transported more than 3.2 million passengers and saved residents over ₦3.5 billion in transport costs within one year of operation.
The Acting Managing Director of Kaduna Line and Acting Director-General of the Kaduna State Transport Regulatory Authority (KADSTRA), Engr. Inuwa Ibrahim, disclosed this on Wednesday while inspecting newly constructed CNG bus stops in Kaduna.
He said the initiative, introduced by the administration of Governor Uba Sani, was aimed at easing the burden of rising transportation costs by providing residents with safe, reliable and environmentally friendly public transport.
According to Ibrahim, the state government has deployed 100 CNG-powered buses operating free of charge on major routes across the state, while construction of 200 modern bus stops to support the scheme is nearing completion.
He said over 3.2 million commuters had benefited from the programme since its launch, translating into savings of more than ₦3.5 billion that residents would otherwise have spent on transportation.
“The buses operate daily from morning till evening on designated routes, providing free transport services to thousands of residents,” he said.
Ibrahim noted that the Rigachikun-Kawo-Sabon Tasha corridor, one of the busiest routes under the scheme, serves more than 30 communities and has significantly improved mobility for commuters.
He added that over 80 per cent of the 200 bus shelters had been completed, with work progressing on the remaining facilities.
The KADSTRA boss also said the government had integrated technology into the transport system to improve safety and operational efficiency.
According to him, all the buses are equipped with Intelligent Transport System (ITS) devices linked to a central control centre, enabling real-time monitoring of vehicle movements and activities at bus stops.
“The buses are fully digitised. Through our control centre, we can track every vehicle in operation and monitor activities at bus stops to improve service delivery, security and operational efficiency,” he said.
He said the digital monitoring system would strengthen oversight of public transport operations and enhance the commuting experience for residents.
Ibrahim further disclosed that the free CNG bus service would soon be extended to Zaria and Kafanchan as soon as CNG refuelling stations currently under construction in both cities become operational.
He described the mass transit scheme as one of the flagship programmes of the Uba Sani administration, designed to reduce transportation costs, promote cleaner energy and provide a modern, efficient public transport system for residents.
