Subsidy Removal: Bayelsa State govt launches 106 vehicles for mass transit
In a bid to enhance intra-city transportation in Yenagoa, the capital city of Bayelsa State, Governor Douye Diri officially unveiled a fleet of 106 vehicles on Wednesday.
The primary objective of this new transport scheme is to alleviate the impact of petrol subsidy removal and ease the difficulties faced by residents of the state.
The inauguration took place at the DSP Alamieyeseigha Banquet Hall in Onopa, Yenagoa, where Governor Diri addressed the Bayelsa State Transport Company (BTC), the operator of the scheme.
He urged them to take into account the prevailing economic conditions in the country while determining fare rates for different routes.
The governor emphasised that “the state government will not be responsible for the drivers’ salaries.”
Instead, the BTC will be responsible for negotiating with the drivers directly.
Governor Diri assured the people of Bayelsa that he is committed to ensuring prosperity for everyone in the state.
He also requested the BTC to avoid politicising the hiring process for drivers.
The Commissioner for Transport, Grace Ekiotenne, further explained how the scheme would be sustained, learning from the shortcomings of past transportation initiatives under previous administrations in the state.
Despite the vehicles being owned by the state government, the BTC will oversee their management, including driver training and handling related responsibilities.
The commissioner estimated that the BTC’s monthly revenue from the mass transit program would average around N35 million.
The symbolic handing over of the vehicle keys was conducted, signifying the official launch of the scheme, and the keys were entrusted to Imomotimi Fanama, the General Manager of BTC.
