The Delta State Government says it expects to take delivery of 50 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses within the next four to five months as part of efforts to improve public transportation and launch a mass transit scheme across the state.
The Commissioner for Transport, Hon. Onoriode Agofure, disclosed this during a media interaction with journalists in Asaba on Thursday, saying the procurement process was already underway.
Agofure explained that the buses would be specially manufactured to the state’s specifications, noting that they could not be purchased off the shelf.
According to him, suppliers are expected to meet all government requirements before the buses are delivered.
He said the buses would operate on major routes in Asaba, Warri and other parts of the state, offering residents affordable, safe and reliable transportation.
“We have already mapped out the routes. The buses are not only for inter-city travel but will also serve commuters within Asaba and Warri,” he said.
The commissioner said the government was starting with 50 buses as a pilot phase to assess the scheme before expanding the fleet.
“We are not stopping at 50 buses. We want to test the system first, see how it performs and then increase the number,” he said.
Agofure said the state government was also putting legal and operational frameworks in place to ensure the mass transit scheme continues beyond the tenure of the present administration.
He disclosed that plans were underway to expand CNG refuelling infrastructure across the state to support the operation of the buses.
The commissioner also announced that the state government had approved the construction of a modern bus terminal in Asaba.
He added that the Federal Government had approved the construction of a regional transport terminal in Warri after the Delta State Government donated land for the project.
According to him, existing smaller bus terminals across the state would continue to operate alongside the new facilities to improve connectivity.
Agofure said the new transport scheme would help reduce transport fares by creating healthy competition among transport operators.
“When government offers affordable transport services, other operators will also adjust their fares. That will benefit commuters,” he said.
He added that the project would create jobs for drivers, mechanics, ticketing officers, cleaners and other workers, while boosting businesses around the transport terminals.
Agofure said the scheme would initially focus on road transportation in upland communities before being extended to riverine areas as part of the state’s long-term transport development plan.
Speaking on the ministry’s challenges, he identified poor compliance with traffic regulations as one of the major issues confronting the transport sector.
Despite the challenges, the commissioner described his time in office as fulfilling and thanked Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his support in implementing transport reforms across the state.
Also speaking, the Director of Vehicle Inspection Services, Engr. Vincent Ehiwario, commended Governor Oborevwori and Agofure for introducing reforms such as automated vehicle inspections, road safety awareness campaigns and plans to review transport laws to strengthen electronic enforcement and improve traffic management across the state.
