The Road Transport Employees Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) has announced a new fare structure for journeys to 12 states, reflecting the 50% transport subsidy provided by the Federal Government.
RTEAN is one of five transport unions and companies collaborating with the Federal Government on the transport palliative scheme aimed at alleviating travel costs during the festive season. Other partners include the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), the Association of Luxurious Bus Owners of Nigeria (ALBON), Good is Good Motors (GIGM), and the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO).
This initiative, set to run from December 24, 2024, to January 5, 2025, offers significant relief to travelers during the Yuletide. As part of the scheme, the government has pledged to cover 50% of transport fares while also providing free rail transportation since December 20, 2024.
A fare schedule, verified by RTEAN’s National General Secretary, Yusuf Ibrahim, outlines the subsidized rates for various routes. For instance:
- Abuja to Asaba or Akwa: ₦17,500
- Abuja to Abakaliki: ₦12,500
- Abuja to Dutse: ₦7,500
- Lagos to Benin: ₦7,500
- Lagos to Onitsha, Katsina, or Lafia: ₦15,000
- Lagos to Bauchi or Jigawa: ₦12,500
- Lagos to Kebbi or Yola: ₦20,000
“These routes represent areas allocated to us under the government’s directive,” Ibrahim explained. “At designated parks, you’ll find our buses either loading or already en route. In some states, we’ve been instructed to deploy nine or 12 buses daily. Once that quota is met, subsequent passengers pay the standard fare.”
He added, “We’d like to cover the entire country, but we must adhere to the guidelines provided by the Ministry of Transportation.”
During visits to the Oshodi park in Lagos and Kuto garage in Ogun, our correspondent observed that only GIGM buses were actively participating in the scheme, charging reduced fares as agreed. Other operators continued to charge full prices.
GIGM’s Chief Executive Officer, Enahoro Okhae, confirmed their compliance. “We have started the scheme as agreed, and our buses are available at the Oshodi terminal. Passengers can also book tickets online,” he stated.
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