The Delta State Government says it will receive 50 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses within the next four to five months as part of plans to introduce a state-owned mass transit system.
The Commissioner for Transport, Mr. Onoriode Agofure, disclosed this during a media briefing on Thursday, saying Governor Sheriff Oborevwori had approved the procurement of the buses to improve public transportation across the state.
According to him, the procurement process is already underway, with the buses expected to provide residents with a cheaper, safer and more comfortable means of transportation on inter-city routes and within the Asaba metropolis.
Agofure said the government has already identified the routes the buses will operate on to ensure efficient service delivery when the programme begins.
He described the acquisition of the 50 buses as the pilot phase of the initiative, adding that the fleet would be expanded if the programme proves successful.
The commissioner also disclosed that the government is constructing modern bus terminals in Asaba and Warri to support the operation of the mass transit scheme and strengthen transport infrastructure.
He said policies and legal frameworks are being developed to ensure the programme remains sustainable beyond the current administration.
According to Agofure, the initiative will create employment opportunities for drivers, ticketing officers, cleaners, maintenance personnel and traders operating within the terminals while stimulating economic activities across the state.
He added that although the scheme will initially focus on road transportation in upland communities, it will eventually be extended to riverine areas.
Also speaking, the Director of Vehicle Inspection Services, Engr. Vincent Ehiwario, commended the state government’s transport reforms, including automated vehicle inspections, road safety awareness campaigns and plans to strengthen electronic traffic enforcement through a review of existing transport laws.
