FCTA To Introduce Compressed Natural Gas Buses

By Remi Johnson

Commuters in the nation’s Capital will soon heave a sigh of relief over high transportation costs orchestrated by fuel subsidy removal.

This is because the Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA, has concluded arrangements with consultants to introduce buses using Compressed Natural Gas ( CNG) in the territory to cut costs for Mass transit bus users.

The Director, Directorate of Road Traffic Services, DRTS, Dr Abdulateef Bello made this known during a stakeholders engagement meeting in Abuja.

Dr Bello explained that the buses when acquired and deployed to different routes, would solve the problems of mass transit in Abuja and take care of the rickety vehicles constituting nuisances on Abuja roads.

Dr Bello also hinted that the FCTA would unveil a Rapid Bus System that would usher in the Unified Standard Transportation System in the territory to re-organize the sector.

He explained, that there was a need to overhaul the Abuja transportation system to meet current realities and the yearnings of all citizens, considering the fast-growing nature of the city.

The DRTS Boss also told newsmen that 46 taxi ranks earlier issued quit notice in the capital city, would be reinstated and licensed to operate.

He tasked stakeholders on transportation to support the present FCT administration in its quest to initiate a functional transport system in line with best global standards.

His word: “The Honorable Minister has read the riot act. We have been interacting with some big consultants who are ready to bring in new flights of vehicles. FCT without BRTS Buses, will operate in chaos… Now arrangement is being put together to ensure a complete migration from what you use to know. Is going to sound like a revolution in the transportation eco- system in FCT” Bello hinted.

Responding, the Chairman, RTEIN Mass Transit, Dr Abubakar Sadiq, who commended the initiative, however appealed that due consideration be given to critical players already in the business, based on experience.

Lending his voice, the Chairman of Self Employed Commercial Drivers Association ( SECDAN) Okorie Victor, urged the FCT Administration to embark on aggressive sensitisation to keep those in the sector abreast with the new transportation policies.

Edited By Grace Namiji