Edo Gov Obaseki extends free bus scheme until November

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Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki has approved an extension of the state’s free bus scheme for another five months, now running until November 11, 2024.

The scheme, which started in September 2023, was initially intended to cushion the impact of the Federal Government’s fuel subsidy removal on the residents of Edo State.

According to a statement by Crusoe Osagie, the governor’s Special Adviser on Media Projects, the first phase, which lasted two months, successfully benefited over 1.5 million people. This success prompted extensions to February, April, and later July 2024.

The free transport service covers all intra- and intercity routes operated by the State-owned Edo City Transport Services (ECTS), including routes such as Auchi-Igarra-Ibillo-Ososo, Uzebba-Ikhin-Otuo, and Abudu-Ubiaja.

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The intra-city routes include Ramat-Kingsquare, New Benin-Kingsquare, Kingsquare-Ekenwan Road, Kingsquare-Airport Road, Kingsquare-Sapele Road, Kingsquare-Adesuwa, Kingsquare-Ogida, New Benin-Upper Mission, Kingsquare-Ugbowo, Kingsquare-Agbor Road, Kingsquare-Upper Sokponba, New Benin-Ugbowo, and New Benin-Aduwawa.

Mrs. Edugie Agbonlahor, Managing Director of the Edo State Transport Authority (ESTA), noted that the extension is a testament to the program’s success and the positive feedback received over nearly a year.

She emphasized that the extension aligns with the government’s commitment to the welfare of the Edo people, especially in light of the economic challenges posed by the fuel subsidy removal.

“The decision is on the back of the success and feedback that have trailed the nearly one-year 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 said.

Agbonlahor encouraged all residents to take advantage of the free bus service during this extended period and assured them of the government’s ongoing commitment to their welfare.