Abia State Governor Alex Otti has announced that the state’s electric buses will begin charging subsidized fares in the coming days as part of efforts to ease transportation costs for residents.

According to the governor, commuters traveling from Umuahia to Aba will pay N800, while those heading to Ohafia will be charged N1000. The move signals a transition from the initial rollout phase of the electric bus scheme to a structured fare system designed to remain affordable for citizens.

Governor Otti disclosed the development while addressing stakeholders, noting that the initiative is part of his administration’s broader transport reform agenda aimed at modernizing public mobility and reducing the burden of rising fuel prices on residents.

The electric buses were introduced as part of Abia State’s strategy to provide cleaner and more efficient transportation. By leveraging electric-powered vehicles, the government aims to cut operational costs linked to diesel and petrol while promoting environmental sustainability.

Officials within the state government explained that the subsidized fares were carefully reviewed to strike a balance between affordability for passengers and sustainability for the transport system. The N800 fare for the Umuahia to Aba route and N1000 for Ohafia are expected to be significantly lower than prevailing commercial transport rates on those corridors.

Residents have welcomed the announcement, describing it as timely relief amid ongoing economic pressures. Many commuters who travel daily between Umuahia and Aba for business and work activities say the new rates could reduce their weekly transportation expenses.

The governor also reiterated that the electric bus initiative is part of a long term plan to transform infrastructure in Abia State. He emphasized that the government remains committed to delivering people focused policies that improve daily life for citizens.

While the exact date for the commencement of fare collection has not been publicly specified, authorities confirmed that operations will begin within days, with ticketing and payment processes streamlined for ease of access.

The introduction of subsidized electric bus fares is expected to further strengthen intra state connectivity and encourage more residents to adopt public transportation across Abia.