Kaduna Free CNG Bus Scheme Moves 3.2 Million Passengers, Saves Commuters ₦3.5bn In One Year
The Kaduna State Government says its free Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) mass transit scheme has transported more than 3.2 million passengers and saved residents over ₦3.5 billion in transportation costs within its first year of operation.
The Acting Managing Director of Kaduna Line and Acting Director-General of the Kaduna State Transport Regulatory Authority (KADSTRA), Engr. Inuwa Ibrahim, disclosed this during an inspection of newly constructed CNG bus stops in Kaduna.
According to Ibrahim, the initiative, introduced by Governor Uba Sani’s administration, was designed to ease the burden of rising transportation costs by providing residents with safe, reliable and environmentally friendly public transport.
He said the state government currently operates 100 CNG-powered buses offering free rides along major routes across Kaduna State.
“As of today, over 3.2 million passengers have benefited from the scheme, while commuters have collectively saved more than ₦3.5 billion that would have been spent on transportation,” he said.
Ibrahim noted that the buses run daily from morning until evening, serving designated routes, including the busy Rigachikun-Kawo-Sabon Tasha corridor, which connects more than 30 communities.
He also revealed that construction of 200 modern bus stops to support the mass transit programme is nearing completion, with more than 80 per cent of the facilities already completed.
To improve efficiency and security, Ibrahim said all CNG buses have been equipped with Intelligent Transport System (ITS) devices linked to a central control centre for real-time monitoring of vehicle movements and activities at bus stops.
“The buses are fully digitised. Through our control centre, we can track every vehicle in operation and monitor activities at the bus stops to enhance service delivery, security and operational efficiency,” he said.
He explained that the digital monitoring system would strengthen oversight of the state’s public transport network while improving the commuting experience for passengers.
The KADSTRA boss added that the state government plans to expand the free CNG bus service to Zaria and Kafanchan once CNG refuelling stations currently under construction in the two cities become operational.
He described the free mass transit programme as one of the flagship projects of the Uba Sani administration, aimed at reducing transportation costs for residents while promoting cleaner energy and modern public transportation.
