Delta to Deploy 50 New Buses in January to Ease Rising Transport Costs
Commuters in Delta State may have to wait until January 2027 for relief from high transportation costs, as the state government says 50 new buses are expected to arrive to improve public transportation.
The Commissioner for Transport, Onoriode Agofure, disclosed this on Wednesday during an interview after presenting his ministry’s 2027 budget at the inter-ministerial budget defence organised by the Ministry of Economic Planning in Asaba.
Agofure attributed the delay in reducing transportation costs to challenges affecting the delivery of the buses, including the global crisis, but assured residents that the government remained committed to making transportation more affordable.
He said the buses were expected to arrive on or before January, adding that the government was also expanding facilities for Compressed Natural Gas-powered vehicles.
“Fifty buses are on their way, and we expect them to arrive on or before January. We are also opening more CNG conversion centres and changing stations. More enforcement cameras are coming to bring sanity to our roads,” he said.
The commissioner explained that the delay had affected the earlier expectation of reducing transportation costs by October 1, but expressed confidence that the new buses would help address the problem.
“Transportation costs will come down. There was a delay in the arrival of the buses because of the crisis in the world. That caused some delays, but we have been able to move past those challenges.
“We are confident that the buses will arrive soon, and transportation costs will eventually come down,” he added.
Agofure also disclosed that the ministry had established three CNG stations in partnership with the private sector, saying the initiative could reduce transportation costs for commuters by between 40 and 50 per cent.
The January rollout will be closely watched by commuters, who are hopeful that the additional buses will translate into lower transportation expenses and more reliable services.
Residents have also expressed the need for the government to ensure that the buses are deployed across different parts of the state rather than concentrating operations in major urban centres.
Meanwhile, the success of the initiative will largely depend on effective management, affordable fares, regular maintenance and adequate coverage of routes across the state.
The government is expected to provide further details on the distribution, operational arrangements and commencement of services for the 50 buses.
