Gas buses cut fares by up to 50% in Nigeria
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Punch
Nigerian buses running on compressed natural gas have cut transport fares by 15% to 50% on some routes, according to the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles. The programme says it has deployed 670 buses, including 285 operating commercially in 13 states, Punch reports.
Public transport routes participating in the federal programme to switch to compressed natural gas (CNG) recorded fare reductions of between 15% and 50% in Nigeria. The figure was announced by the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles (PI-CNG & EV) at a meeting held on Thursday in Kano by the Decade of Gas Secretariat, Punch reports.
The PI-CNG & EV said 670 CNG buses had been deployed across the country. Of these, 285 are operating commercially in 13 states and 302 have been allocated to transport unions, students and public agencies. Hundreds more buses and tricycles have been ordered to expand access to transport presented as cheaper and cleaner.
According to Tosin Coker, the initiative’s director of operations, CNG can reduce transport costs and strengthen energy security. He nevertheless urged vehicle owners to use certified conversion centres and approved equipment, and to comply with maintenance rules.
The government plans 127 additional refuelling stations in 31 states and the Federal Capital Territory. In Kano, seven stations are already operating and 17 others are at various stages of completion. Twenty-five additional buses have also been deployed in the state to supplement existing commercial services.
