Subsidy removal: Over 23,500 passengers benefit from Obaseki’s free transport service in 24 hours

Over 23,500 residents of Edo State have benefited from the free transport service of Governor Godwin Obaseki, 24 hours after the commencement of the scheme, aimed at cushioning the effect of the fuel subsidy removal by the Federal Government. 
  
The governor had, yesterday, flagged off the free bus service for passengers on all routes operated by the state-owned Edo City Transport Limited (ECTS), pledging to sustain efforts to reduce the hardship inflicted on the people by the policy. Obaseki also assured improved wellbeing and welfare for the people.
  
The free transport scheme operates between 6:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. daily, covering all ECTS operational routes, both intra and inter-city routes. 
Briefing journalists in Benin City, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Edo State Transport Authority, Edugie Agbonlahor, said the state-owned transport company has witnessed a surge in commuters as a result of the free bus service, noting that about 23,652 passengers have benefitted from the service in the last 24 hours.
   
She said: “We are happy with the positive impact being made through the free bus service of the state government to cushion the effect of the fuel subsidy removal.”