The Managing Director of Edo State Transport Authority (ESTA), Mrs. Edugie Agbonlahor, has said over 3.4 million Edo residents have so far benefitted from the free bus service introduced by the State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, to cushion the impact of the fuel subsidy removal on the people of State

The free transport scheme was introduced five months ago (September 2023) to run for an initial two-month period and was extended by three months till February 2024, in furtherance of the government’s commitment to the welfare of Edo people.

However, it has been extended to April 2024, following the success recorded in the first two phases of the free transport scheme.

The free transport service covers all intra and intercity routes operated by the State-owned Edo City Transport Services (ECTS), including Auchi – Igarra – Ibillo–Ososo; Uzebba–Ikhin – Otuo, and Abudu-Ubiaja, Abudu-Urhonigbe and Ewohimi to Ewatto.

The intra-city routes are Ramat–Kingsquare; New Benin–Kingsquare; Kingsquare – Ekenwan Road; Kingsquare–Airport Road; Kingsquare–Sapele Road and Kingsquare – Adesuwa, Kingsquare–Ogida; New Benin – Upper Mission; Kingsquare–Ugbowo; Kingsquare–Agbor Road; Kingsquare–Upper Sokponba; New Benin – Ugbowo and New Benin–Aduwawa.

In a statement, the Managing Director of Edo State Transport Authority said the beneficiaries include 95,812 intercity passengers and 330,8157 intra-city passengers.

According to her, “The free bus service introduced by the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration to cushion the impact of the fuel subsidy removal on the people of Edo State has continued to record success with over 3,403,969 people benefiting from the scheme in the first five months.

“The 3,403,969 beneficiaries between September 11, 2023, and January 31, 2024, include 95,812 intercity passengers and 330,8157 intra-city passengers.”

“We are glad with the impact of the scheme which has now been extended till April 2024, to continually ease the pressure and transport burden on the people of Edo State, amid the current economic realities.”

Agbonlahor, while reassuring the government’s commitment to the welfare and wellbeing of Edo citizens, urged Edo people to take advantage of the free bus service scheme.