TheCable

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) says it has concluded plans to introduce bus rapid transportation (BRT) system to ease transportation challenges in Abuja.

Abdulateef Bello, director, directorate of road traffic services (DRTS), spoke during an engagement with stakeholders in Abuja on Monday.

Bello, in a NAN report, said the administration had equally concluded plans to bring in buses that use compressed natural gas (CNG) to solve the problems of mass transit in Abuja.

“The buses, when acquired and deployed to different routes, will take care of the rickety vehicles and taxis that have been constituting nuisances on Abuja roads,” Bello said.

The director also said there were plans to reclaim the 46 taxi racks in the territory and reorganise the ranks for licensed operators.

According to Bello, it has become necessary to standardise the transportation system in Abuja, adding that the city was fast evolving.

“Abuja cannot be left without an organised transportation system that will meet the needs of all citizens,” he said.

On his part, Abubakar Sadiq, chairman of Road Transport Employers’ Association Of Nigeria (RTEAN), applauded the plan.

Sadiq told the administration to consider critical players in the transportation sector.

On July 31, 2023, President Bola Tinubu said his administration had made provision to invest N100 billion between now and March 2024 to acquire 3,000 units of 20-seater buses powered by compressed natural gas (CNG).

The federal government also announced waiving value-added tax (VAT) on CNG bus purchases as well as duty waivers for parts.