Gabriela Ezin, Calabar
The Cross River State Government has unveiled an electric-powered mass transit initiative aimed at reducing transportation costs for residents and modernising the state’s transport system.
The Commissioner for Transportation, Pastor Ekpenyong Cobham, said the programme involves the deployment of 10 electric buses and 500 electric tricycles to provide affordable and environmentally friendly transportation services across the state.
Speaking during an interactive session with journalists in Calabar, Cobham said the initiative is in line with Governor Bassey Otu’s commitment to easing the financial burden on commuters and public servants.
According to him, the government expects the scheme to help residents save between N300 and N400 daily on transportation expenses.
The commissioner explained that the state considered several alternatives, including compressed natural gas (CNG), before settling for electric vehicles due to their lower operating costs and environmental advantages.
He said the electric buses can travel up to 250 kilometres on a single charge, making them suitable for urban and inter-city transportation services.
Cobham disclosed that the transport package also includes 20 shuttle buses, 200 electric motorcycles and 10 inter-city buses with a capacity of about 50 passengers each.
He projected a significant reduction in fares on key routes, noting that transportation costs from Eight Miles to Watt Market could drop from about N600 to as low as N150 or N200 when the system becomes fully operational.
The commissioner added that operators of the electric tricycles would benefit from reduced fuel expenses, thereby increasing their daily earnings.
Describing the project as a major shift in the state’s transportation landscape, Cobham said the government is laying the groundwork for a cleaner and more efficient mobility system.
He noted that operations would be driven by an automated payment platform and managed by private operators under a public-private partnership framework.
The commissioner also revealed that the state government is developing charging infrastructure for the vehicles, adding that the facilities would create additional economic opportunities for young people.
He said the administration had engaged Planet Projects, consultants to the World Bank, to conduct a pre-feasibility study for long-term transport development plans.
Cobham further disclosed that plans were underway for a 4,000-capacity trailer park in the Odukpani-Akamkpa corridor and that efforts were ongoing to secure approvals for the proposed Grand Littoral Rail Project, which is expected to enhance regional connectivity and economic growth.
