Gov Okpebholo Introduces Free Intra-State Transportation Scheme

By Simeon OSAJIE

The people of Edo State wishing to commute from one part of the state to another can now do so at no personal cost courtesy of the Executive Governor of the state, Senator Monday  Okpebholo. Residents of the Benin metropolis will also enjoy the same service.

The good news, which was announced today in a press statement by the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the governor, Fred Itua, came as a big relief amidst unaffordable transportation cost due to high fuel price.

The statement said the free bus services would be provided by the state-owned Edo City Transport Service (ECTS). It did not however give details how it would operate in terms of time of take-off and point of joining the buses.

The initiative, CPS said, is part of Governor Okpebholo administration’s drive to entrench his policy direction, “A NEW EDO HAS RISEN”.

The statement further explained that the free  bus service  which  covers  Benin metropolis and  the three senatorial  districts of  the  State (Intra and  Inter-city  routes), was  part  of  the  commitment  of the governor to enhance  the welfare  of all Edo people.

“The bus services will ease the transportation stress. Our people who plan to move around within the Benin metropolis and out will be able to do that without any extra financial burdens.

“Edo Central like Ekpoma, Iruekpen, Irrua, Uromi, and other places are also part of the routes the free transportation services will cover.

“Edo North is fully captured. Agbede, Auchi, Okpella, Fugar, and other parts of Edo North are covered in the free transportation scheme of Governor Monday Okpebholo.”