Launch of CNG buses will reduce transport fares, Ogun transporters assure residents

The leaders of transportation unions in Ogun state have assured residents of reduced transport fares when the government rolls out compressed natural gas (CNG) buses and e-bikes to cushion the impact of the increment in petrol pump price.

On Monday, Dapo Abiodun, governor of Ogun, warned transporters in the state against exploiting members of the public due to the recent hike in the pump price of petrol.

The governor said his administration would make 100 new 18-seater CNG-enabled buses available for transporters to mitigate the impact of the hike in petrol prices.

Speaking in Abeokuta south on Tuesday, Akeem Bodunrin, chairman of the Ogun state park management scheme (OGSPAM), said the union would ensure its members abide by the governor’s directive not to burden commuters with high transport fares.

“We came to speak with our drivers and union on how best to be humane with transport fares, and we have seen that the increment in transport fares isn’t much,” he said.

“No one has increased union tickets; the high cost of fuel is still the major issue. However, we promise to comply and cooperate with our governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, in his quest to make life meaningful for the people of the state.”

Mustapha Ismail, chairman of the Ogun National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), said the cost of transporting goods, services, and people will decrease with the expected release of the CNG-enabled buses by the state and federal governments.

“Look at our governor; he has given us compressed natural gas (CNG) buses and e-mobility bikes to help with the high cost of fuel,” Ismail said.

“What determines price is the distance and fuel consumption. By the time we take delivery of the 100 CNG-enabled buses promised by Governor Dapo Abiodun, our reliance on fuel will definitely reduce. We urge our people to be patient with us.”

Also, Titilayo Akibu, chairman of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria in Ogun (RTEAN), said transport fares in the state will reduce when the CNG buses commence operations.