TheCable

The federal capital territory administration (FCTA) has unveiled 15 high-capacity air-conditioned buses fitted with Wi-Fi for residents to commute to different parts of the nation’s capital.

The administration said the buses, provided under a public-private partnership (PPP) programme, will use digital payment solutions to avoid corruption and have live surveillance for passengers’ safety.

Speaking at the inauguration of the buses on Tuesday at Eagle Square, Uboku Nyah, FCT mandate secretary for transportation, said the administration envisions a city where commuting is seamless.

Nyah said under the “Transport For All” (TFA) project, the FCT has commenced the availability of transportation that is secure, convenient and affordable for all Nigerians”.

On his part, Yakubu Terry, director of TFA, said the project would leverage technology to enhance public transportation in Abuja.

“Our strategy is not just about the number of buses on the road, it’s about creating a comprehensive and accessible network that serves the diverse needs of our community,” Terry said.

“We will prioritize lucrative routes and leverage technology to optimize routes, reduce wait times, and enhance the overall commuting experience; as we strive for efficiency, a crucial aspect of our strategy is the introduction of cutting-edge digital payment offerings.

“Digital transactions bring with them financial transparency as clear records provide a robust foundation for auditing processes, and transparent fare structures build trust among our passengers; the risk of revenue leakage or mishandling of cash transactions is being significantly reduced.”

He added that the government needs to make the transport sector attractive to encourage investors.