The Federal Government has launched a free Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) bus service in Abuja to reduce cost of transportation for Nigerians in the FCT.
According to a video posted on the Presidential CNG Initiative’s X (previously Twitter) page, the CNG buses began operating on December 2, 2024.
According to sources, the buses will run along popular routes from Abuja’s suburbs, including Mararaba, to Eagle Square and Berger bus stop.
The government had stated that the buses will transport passengers free of charge for the following 40 days. The free bus rides will stop on January 6, 2025.
Last Monday, the government, through the Ministry of Transportation, handed over 15 compressed natural gas-powered buses to three transport unions to help alleviate the exorbitant cost of transit in the capital city.
The gesture benefitted several transport unions, including the National Road Transport Workers Union, the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners, and the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria.
In a video received by our correspondent on Monday, commuters who benefitted from the program praised the government’s initiative to lower transportation costs.
One of the respondents, Fatima, said, “I just boarded a CNG bus going to Maraba, and we were asked not to pay, and I didn’t pay. I hope it will continue for long.
“I like it very much; I know this is the beginning of good things that will happen to Nigerian people.”
Another respondent, Blessing, said, “If they’re doing like this, we’ll be happy. After this one now, let them bring down the price. That’s why I said after this one they should.”
