Abia Expands Electric Bus Fleet With 20 New Vehicles, Plans More Routes

The Abia State Government has taken delivery of 20 additional electric buses as part of efforts to expand its subsidised public transportation system across the state and beyond.

Governor Alex Otti announced the development during his monthly media briefing in Umuahia, stating that the newly delivered buses are part of the state’s plan to procure about 100 electric buses to improve affordable and environmentally friendly transportation.

According to the governor, the new buses will be deployed on additional routes to increase access to the state’s transport service while maintaining subsidised fares. The electric buses, which began operations earlier this year, currently offer fares that are approximately 60 per cent lower than those charged by conventional commercial transport operators.

Otti said the expansion would extend services to several new routes, including Umuahia–Bende–Arochukwu, Umuahia–Uturu, Umuahia–Umudike–Ikwuano, Aba–Owerri in neighbouring Imo State, and Aba–Ukwa, among others.

He explained that commuters seeking to use the buses must meet certain eligibility requirements, including registration as government statutory levy payers.

The governor also disclosed that surveillance systems have been installed in all the buses to monitor operations and ensure accountability among personnel. He revealed that a bus pilot and co-pilot were recently dismissed after they were found to have engaged in misconduct, warning other staff against similar actions.

Providing updates on other infrastructure projects, Otti said construction of the Aba Bus Terminal, which is modelled after the Umuahia terminal, is progressing steadily. He added that the first phase of the redevelopment of Aba’s Ekeoha Market is nearing completion and will soon be commissioned.

The expansion of the electric bus programme forms part of the Abia State Government’s broader strategy to improve urban mobility, reduce transport costs for residents and promote cleaner, more sustainable public transportation.