Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has introduced a new intra-city transport scheme in Yenagoa, the state capital, and its surrounding areas. The scheme aims to improve transportation and alleviate the impact of the removal of petrol subsidies on residents of the state.
During the inauguration ceremony held at the DSP Alamieyeseigha Banquet Hall in Onopa, Yenagoa, Governor Diri unveiled 106 vehicles that will be used for the transport scheme. He urged the Bayelsa State Transport Company (BTC), which will operate the scheme, to consider the current economic realities when determining fare rates for different routes.
Governor Diri emphasized that the state government will not be responsible for paying the drivers’ salaries. Interested individuals who wish to drive the vehicles should negotiate their salaries directly with the BTC. He also urged the BTC to ensure that the selection process for drivers is unbiased and free from political interference.
Commissioner for Transport, Grace Ekiotenne, highlighted the importance of sustainability in the scheme and assured that it would not suffer the same fate as previous transportation initiatives under past administrations. She explained that although the vehicles belong to the state government, the BTC will be responsible for their management, driver training, and associated liabilities.
According to Commissioner Ekiotenne, it is projected that the Bayelsa State Transport Company will generate an average monthly income of ₦35 million from the operation of the transport scheme. The governor then handed over the keys to the vehicles to the BTC General Manager, Imomotimi Fanama.
The new transport scheme is expected to improve the transportation system in Yenagoa and provide better mobility options for residents of Bayelsa State.
