In an effort to mitigate the impact of the fuel subsidy removal, the Edo State Government has kicked off its complimentary transport initiative on Monday. Governor Godwin Obaseki recently gave the nod for a no-charge transportation service for all passengers travelling via Edo City Transport Ltd., the state-run transit agency.

This initiative, initially set for a two-month span, will facilitate travel both within the Benin metropolis and between Benin City and the major urban centres in the state’s three senatorial districts. Buses will operate from 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day.

During the launch at the ECTS Park, Ring Road, the Governor, represented by Commissioner for Communication and Orientation Chris Nehikhare, expressed his hopes for residents to make full use of this service. It was crafted specifically to offer some relief from the challenges the fuel subsidy removal has brought. “This gesture is one of our numerous efforts to alleviate the impact of the subsidy removal on our residents,” Obaseki emphasised, noting that commuters were already taking advantage of the service from its first day.

Vanguard reported that, Edo City Transport Ltd’s Managing Director, Mrs. Edugie Agbonlahor, highlighted that while the ECTC has historically provided free rides for school students, this extension aims to encompass all residents. She recognized transportation often claims a significant portion of family budgets, adding, “With this initiative, we hope to ease some of the financial pressures, especially as students start a new school term. This is a moment when parents can benefit from saved transportation costs and redirect these funds toward other essential needs like food and housing.”

The complimentary transportation service encompasses a broad range of routes, with some prominent ones being Auchi – Igalla – Ibillo–Ososo; Uzebba–Ikhin – Otuo, and routes connecting Abudu to Ubiaja, Urhonigbe, and Ewohirin to Ewatto.