In an effort to lessen the financial burden of holiday travel, the Nigerian government has reduced public bus fares by 50% and provided free train rides throughout the nation during the holiday season.
According to Mr. Alake, who also serves as the head of the inter-ministerial committee on presidential intervention, the reduction in inter-state fares and complimentary train rides will be implemented from Thursday to January 4.
The agreement, approved by President Bola Tinubu, was reached in collaboration with companies that operate luxury buses across 22 routes nationwide, as stated by Mr. Alake.
He said air transportation was not part of the arrangement because the target of the president “is the masses”.
Transport Minister Sa’idu Alkali said the substantial reduction in bus fares and the free train rides would ensure “every Nigerian can partake in the joy of the season without the burden of exorbitant transportation costs”.
Segun Falade, the spokesperson for the National Union of Road Transport Workers, stated that the bus operators would commence implementing the fare subsidy as agreed, as reported by local media.
December is typically the peak month for travel in Nigeria, witnessing the highest number of air, road transport, and railway passengers.