Michael Oluwagbemi, the CEO of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas(CNG) has announced a 40% reduction in transportation fares for commuters who board CNG-powered taxis from the well-known Area One Motor Park in Garki, Abuja.
Following the successful conversion of more over 50% of the park’s cars to run on compressed natural gas (CNG), the PiCNG CEO made the announcement during a field press briefing in Area 1 park on Friday in Abuja.
The 40% fare cut was created especially to lessen the heavy burden of high transport fares on Nigerians, he added, adding that the program is part of attempts to mitigate the adverse consequences of the elimination of petroleum subsidies.
Oluwagbemi who was represented by Mr. David Idako, the Regional CNG Coordinator, stated that the PiCNG management had lowered the price in coordination with the National Union of Road Transport Workers’ leadership.
According to him, the cut, which went into effect right away, aims to encourage the use of the initiative as a cleaner and more affordable fuel substitute in addition to giving commuters financial relief.
“We have worked hand-in-hand with the National Union of Road Transport Workers. We have converted a lot of their vehicles, and based on the agreement that we have with them, of course, it is for them to reduce the prices for the general public so that the effect of the fuel subsidy that was taken off the burden will be reduced on Nigerians.
“So I am here representing the project director to announce to you that here in Area 1, as of today, Area 1 Park, in conjunction with the leadership of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, we have come here to start enforcing the price reduction. This is why we are here. We have converted over 50 per cent of vehicles in Abuja to CNG, and we are working tirelessly to increase CNG availability across the country.”
The new prices vary by route and range from N240 to N900.
He stated that the fare from Area One to Gwagwalada, which was formerly N1,500, was lowered to N900, as was the price from Area One to Bwari Dutse, which was likewise N1,500. The N1,200 fee for Area One to Kuje was brought down to N720.
He also mentioned that the N500 fare for Area One to Galadimawa had been reduced to N300.
Area 1 to Mpape, which was previously N1,000, is now N600, according to the PCNGI head. He further gave the new fares for other areas including Zuba,Lugbe, Kabusa, Wuse among others.
He added that a task force made up of representatives from the PCNGI and NURTW was established to handle the procedures for guaranteeing adherence to the new pricing structure.
He further mentioned that the cars have CNG stickers and the updated tariffs for the benefit of the passengers.
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