Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has introduced free transportation services across the state for the Easter period, in a move aimed at cushioning the impact of rising transport costs on residents.

The initiative, tagged “Season of Sweetness Easter Free Transportation,” was flagged off on Monday in Calabar, with the governor assuring commuters of safety and reliability throughout the exercise.

Represented by his deputy, Peter Odey, Otu described the programme as people-centred, noting that it is the fourth edition since he assumed office and would be sustained due to its impact on citizens.

He urged residents to take advantage of the scheme, stressing that adequate measures had been put in place to ensure seamless operations.

“We will continue to sustain this programme as it is people-centred and has continued to attract commendations nationwide. We also assure commuters of their safety throughout the period,” he said.

The governor disclosed that, in addition to road transport, free boat services had been arranged for riverine communities, including routes to Creek Town, while transport costs for inter-local government travel would also be covered.

He warned operators against extorting passengers, directing commuters to report any violation through designated contact numbers displayed on the vehicles and boats.

Coordinator of the programme and Special Adviser (General Duties), Barr. Ekpenyong Akiba, said the intervention underscores the administration’s commitment to easing economic hardship, particularly during festive periods.

Akiba highlighted the importance of the transport sector to the economy, noting that it contributes significantly to national output, and added that the initiative would have a multiplier effect on both operators and commuters.

He further disclosed that monitoring mechanisms had been instituted to ensure compliance and prevent abuse of the scheme.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Information, Dr Erasmus Ekpang, called on residents to safeguard public infrastructure and continue to support government policies.

On his part, Special Adviser on Transport, Okon Ephraim, explained that participating drivers had been exempted from tolls and provided with stipends and allowances to sustain operations during the period.

He added that about 55 buses had been deployed within the Calabar metropolis, operating daily from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., with no identification required from commuters beyond orderly conduct.

Chairman of the Unified Drivers’ Association, Henshaw Nta, commended the initiative, describing it as a reflection of a people-focused administration, particularly in light of ongoing road repairs and traffic management improvements.

The flag-off featured a symbolic ride by the deputy governor in one of the commercial buses, driven by a female operator, drawing cheers from residents.