The Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles (Pi-CNG & EV) on Saturday handed over five electric buses to transport operators in Kano to provide affordable transportation for commuters.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 20-seater electric buses were handed over to two transport operators, Camel Mobility and Kano Metropolitan Transport Company, in Kano State.
Speaking at the handover ceremony in Kano, Ahmed Katuka, Manager, Assets of Pi-CNG & EV, said the deployment was expected to reduce transport fares for commuters by at least 40 per cent.
Katuka said the electric buses were in addition to the existing fleet of 14-seater and high-capacity buses already deployed to the state.
He said the initiative was part of the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to promoting cleaner, safer, more affordable and sustainable transportation across the country.
“This strategic intervention shows the Federal Government’s determination to accelerate the transition towards cleaner energy and modern mobility solutions while improving access to affordable public transportation.
“The deployment is expected to significantly reduce the cost of transportation for commuters, with fares projected to be at least 40 per cent lower than prevailing conventional transport fares.
“Beyond affordability, the initiative will contribute to reducing carbon emissions, improving passenger safety and comfort, and promoting environmentally friendly urban mobility.
“This progressive expansion reflects our commitment to strengthening public transportation infrastructure, empowering private sector operators and ensuring that the benefits of the Federal Government’s cleaner mobility agenda translate into tangible improvements in the daily lives of Nigerians,” Katuka said.
Responding after receiving the vehicles, the Chief Operating Officer of Camel Mobility, Ahmed Garba-Ahmed, commended the Chairman of Pi-CNG & EV for what he described as a wonderful initiative and innovation in the sector.
He said the electric vehicle sector was a large ecosystem and described the development as welcome, adding that the initiative would go a long way towards providing efficient transport solutions for the people of Kano.
Garba-Ahmed pledged that the vehicles would be put to use to ease transportation for residents of Kano. He noted that similar buses were already operating in Abuja, Lagos and other states across the country.
He appealed to the Kano State Government to provide dedicated corridors, bus stops, an enabling environment and adequate security arrangements to ensure the efficient operation of the vehicles.
On his part, the Manager of the Kano Division of the Kano Metropolitan Transport Company, Ahmad Rufai-Yusuf, said the initiative would reduce motorists’ fuel costs and, in turn, lower transport fares for passengers.
(NAN)
