Nigerians Laud PBAT’s Rebate On Land Travels

By Georgina Humphrey

The Federal Government has been commended for the 50 per cent discount on land travels and the free train rides, across the country.

Reactions from commuters in motor parks nationwide showed that the gesture which was put in place to ease the cost of the removal of fuel subsidy on travelers, especially during the Christmas celebration, was yielding the desired results.

The Federal Government through a
Yuletide transport subsidy inter-ministerial committee, announced on Wednesday that starting from “21st December 2023 to 4th January, 2024, Nigerians will enjoy a 50% discount on inter-state bus transport along 22 major routes, while the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) will be offering free train rides within the same period”.

The Chairman of the Committee, and Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, while briefing newmen on Wednesday, revealed that “With a target of lifting 5 million commuters this season, the government is partnering with major transport companies like God is Good (GIG) motors, Chisco Transport, Young Shall Grow, God Bless Ezenwata and Area Motor.

In view of high demand across the country, the routes have since been scaled up from 22 to 28 while citizens traveling from Lagos – Nigeria’s commercial hub, to other states like Akure and Ilorin via mini buses from the Oshodi bus interchange, are also beneficiaries.”

In their reactions, some commuters applauded the scheme, adding that it has reduced the pains of transportation on citizens.

A commuter, Ebele, traveling from Mararaba, Abuja, aboard the GIGM bus to Edo state captured his excitement thus, “It’s a good feeling. I got a refund of 50% of my fares. I had paid N36,800 initially but I got half of that back. This is a real palliative and I’m grateful to President Bola Tinubu”.

Another commuter, Lucky traveling from Mararaba, Abuja to Owerri, Imo State had this to say, “The original fare was N32,300 but on getting here, they said the President has given us a 50% discount and they refunded it back to me. I just received my own alert. Long live the President, Long live Nigeria!

Good stories also abound from train commuters along the Lagos-Ibadan, Abuja-Kaduna routes. A twitter user @ayotem4real had tweeted, “Just got two free train tickets ( Lagos – Ibadan) for my son and mum.Thank you, Mr. President”.

A passenger at the Idu train station in Abuja en route Kaduna said “For those who have validated their names, it’s a smooth ride from the Idu train station in Abuja”.

Another elderly commuter aboard the Idu train station to Kaduna, showered encomiums on the President. “Thank God, the President has offered this free ride to us from Abuja to Kaduna and for others across the country”.

“The President is now trying but some are trying to sabotage the system. They will not succeed. My prayer is that Nigeria will be better. When the government is making efforts, it shall affect all Nigerians and I say thanks to the government. They should keep it up”.

Edited By Grace Namiji