By DADA AYOKHAI
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has allocated two air-conditioned CNG buses to run town services in Etsako West Local Government Area.
According to a statement by John Mayaki, Publicity Secretary of the Edo State APC Campaign Council, on his Facebook page, the two buses will ply from Aviele to Auchi Polytechnic, to Jattu Junction, into Auchi town and back to Aviele.
Besides, he said three buses will run on inter-city routes from Benin to Auchi – Igarra – Ibillo – Ososo on a daily basis.
A trip from Benin to Ibillo or Ososo will cost N6,500 only, while the fare from Auchi or Igarra was not disclosed.
The buses are part of the fleet recently launched in the state by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, during her official visit to Edo. The initiative, under the Renewed Hope Initiative in partnership with the state government, is aimed at cushioning the effects of fuel subsidy removal and easing transportation costs for residents.
The state government said the scheme is designed to provide affordable, safe and comfortable mass transit for commuters, especially students, workers and rural dwellers.
However, concerns have been raised over the sustainability of the CNG buses in Edo North, as the senatorial district currently has no CNG refilling station.
Stakeholders worry that the buses may have to travel to Benin City or outside the state to refuel, a challenge that could disrupt operations, increase downtime and erode the cost-saving purpose of the project.
They have therefore called on the state government to fast-track the establishment of CNG stations in Auchi and other major towns in Edo North to ensure the success of the initiative.
