The Kwara State government has reintroduced a free bus ride initiative aimed at providing relief for residents of Ilorin metropolis amid the current economic challenges in the country.
Hon. Damilola Yusuf-Adelodun, the Commissioner for Business, Innovation and Technology, disclosed that this initiative is part of the state’s efforts to cushion the effects of rising transportation costs.
Adelodun-Yusuf stated, “This will ensure that commuters, especially students, workers, and low-income earners, can move across the city with ease.”
She emphasized the government’s commitment to mitigating the challenges faced by the residents and urged them to take advantage of this palliative support. “We ask for your patience as we work on long-term economic recovery measures,” she added.
The designated buses will operate on specific routes within Ilorin, covering key areas such as Sango, Ogidi, Mandate, Post Office, and Amoyo. The initiative is designed to run for an extended period, with plans to review and expand the service based on the evolving economic situation.
In a recently released price template by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Technology, the government announced that buses transporting residents from Post Office to Tanke, Unilorin, Oja, Eyenkorin, Amayo, and others will be free.
Previously, fares for these routes in Kwara ranged between N300 and N500, with specific examples including N500 from Post Office to Tanke and N400 for students, staff, and the public traveling to Oyun and UITH.
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Governor AbdulRazaq has consistently provided transportation palliatives during times of need. “It would be recalled that during the fuel scarcity and currency swap by the former President Muhammadu Buhari government, Governor Abdulrazaq provided free transportation for the residents,” the statement noted.
Following the economic reforms initiated by the President Tinubu-led federal government last year, Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq has continued to implement subsidized and free transportation measures to help mitigate their impact on the populace.
