The Abia State Government under Governor Alex Otti has ended the 100 percent free transportation services for Abians.
This comes as the government introduced a 50 percent subsidized fare for its Green Shuttle mass transit buses; the move ends the previously free services.
The state Commissioner for Information, Mr. Okey Kanu, disclosed this on Monday while briefing journalists after the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti in Umuahia.
Kanu explained that the new fare system took effect from March 1, 2026, adding that the decision was made to ensure the sustainability and smooth running of the transport program.
Under the new arrangement, commuters will pay the subsidized fare through the Abia Connect Card, a cashless payment card linked to the Abia State Social Identification Number (ABSSIN).
According to the commissioner, registration agents have been deployed to major bus terminals and bus shelters across Umuahia and Aba to help residents register and obtain the card for easy access to the service.
He further revealed that more than 202,000 passengers used the Green Shuttle buses between December 24, 2025, and March 8, 2026, when the service was largely free.
Kanu noted that the introduction of subsidized fares is aimed at sustaining the transport initiative while ensuring residents continue to enjoy reliable and affordable public transportation across the state.
This comes amid the burgeoning rise in fuel price to above N1,200 per liter nationwide after Dangote Refinery hiked its petrol price to N1,175 per liter.
