Several commuters in Abuja have expressed their gratitude as the Federal Government introduced a 50% discount on transportation fares within the country.
Quest Times recalls that the initiative, earlier approved by President Bola Tinubu, kicked off on December 24, 2023, and will run until January 4, 2024.
In an interview with newsmen on Sunday, Mr. Dapo Esan, a lawyer who recently booked a luxurious bus trip from Abuja to Lagos with ABC Transport, praised the government for covering half of his fare.
Esan emphasized the tangible impact, stating, “Normal fare is N35,000 to Lagos, but they collected 17,500, which is 50 per cent of it. So, that is something good for us.”
Expressing optimism, he acknowledged this as a positive step in alleviating the current hardships in the country, urging the private sector to continue collaborating with the government to provide relief to the masses.
Also, Sylverline Alakwem, a Corps member traveling from Abuja to Owerri, echoed the sentiment of relief, saying, “I thought it was not true. Surprisingly, when I got to the ABC Transport counter, they said I had a rebate. I have half of my money back. So, I am happy, I am very grateful to the government.”
While praising the government’s prompt implementation, ABC Transport Manager Mr. Kanayo Friday expressed gratitude, stating, “Now we are giving a 50 per cent discount at the point of booking. People are very happy. This is a welcome development.”
However, some transport unions reported that they were yet to receive instructions from the federal government regarding the 50% discount.
Ismail Abubakar, Acting FCT Chairman of NURTW, mentioned that the government had promised to involve the union, but is yet to finalize the arrangement.
Furthermore, Bonny Way Ticket Officer, Mr. Afolabi Wale, noted that the company had not been informed about the government’s plan for the 50% rebate, as passengers were still paying full fares.