In a bid to further enhance inter-state and intra-city transportation in Sokoto State, the state government has released 30 additional mass transit buses to the State Ministry of Transportation.
While presenting the keys of the vehicles to the State Commissioner for Transportation, the Deputy Governor of Sokoto State, Idris Muhammed Gobir, stated that the gesture is aimed at reducing the hardship faced by passengers when boarding the state’s mass transit vehicles.
He explained that the 30 buses were part of the fleet earlier procured by the state government but had not been released due to the pending completion of the e-ticketing system.
According to him, passengers can now conveniently book and pay for their transport fares online without any difficulty.
“The e-ticketing system will also ensure transparency and accountability in the day-to-day operation of the state’s mass transit service and guarantee value for money,” he added.
Gobir further urged the Ministry of Transportation to ensure effective supervision and regular maintenance of the buses.
He emphasized that the buses were purchased with hard-earned taxpayers’ money and must therefore be jealously protected at all times.
“I want to call on both drivers and passengers to keep these vehicles clean at all times,” he stressed.
In his vote of thanks, the State Commissioner for Transportation, Hon. Bala Kokani, assured the Deputy Governor that the vehicles would be properly maintained to safeguard the government’s significant investment.
He praised Gov. Ahmed Aliyu for his consistent support to the mass transit sector, which he said, had greatly bolstered the comfort and convenience of passengers using the government-provided transport.
“I want to assure His Excellency that we will protect these vehicles just as we protect our personal property,” Kokani affirmed.
It may be recalled that the Gov. Ahmed Aliyu-led administration, since inception, had procured a total of 70 mass transit vehicles, consisting of 50 buses and 20 Toyota Camrys for both inter-state and intra-city transport services.
This initiative is part of the administration’s ongoing efforts to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal and improve the overall standard of living in Sokoto State.
