Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has given the green light to extend the state government’s free bus program for another three months.
Originally introduced in September 2023 to offset the impact of the federal government’s removal of fuel subsidies, the free transport initiative was initially slated for a two-month period. However, due to its success in aiding over 1.5 million Edo residents, the program was extended until February 2024 and later to April 2024.
The free bus service encompasses all intra and intercity routes managed by the state-owned Edo City Transport Services (ECTS), including routes like Auchi – Igarra – Ibillo–Ososo; Uzebba–Ikhin – Otuo; Abudu-Ubiaja, Abudu-Urhonigbe, and Ewohimi to Ewatto, among others.
In a recent statement, the Managing Director of Edo State Transport Authority (ESTA), Mrs. Edugie Agbonlahor, announced that the extension until July 2024 reflects the government’s dedication to the welfare of Edo residents, particularly in light of recent economic challenges due to the removal of fuel subsidies.
Agbonlahor highlighted the program’s impact, revealing that nearly five million Edo residents have benefited since its inception in September 2023.
The extension, she noted, was prompted by the positive feedback and success garnered throughout the eight-month duration of the initiative.
She stated, “The extension followed the success and positive feedback which we have continued to garner since the launch of the programme. We are glad with the positive impact of the scheme as over 4,799,960 Edo residents have benefited, including 142,289 intercity passengers and 4,657,671 intercity passengers.”