FCTA launches 15 high-capacity buses for ‘secured’ mass transit in Abuja

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has inaugurated a private-sector mass transit system in Abuja in a move to o address security con­cerns related to the “one-chance” syndicate.

The buses were launched on Tuesday at Eagle Square by Uboku Nyah, FCT mandate secretary for transportation.

According to him, the administration envisions a city where commuting is seamless.

The administration said the buses, provided under a public-private partnership (PPP) programme, will use digital payment solutions to avoid corruption and have live surveillance for passengers’ safety.

Nyah emphasized the minis­ter’s commitment to attracting private sector investments to provide reliable and affordable al­ternative transportation options.

He expressed his satisfaction with the private sector’s response to the minister’s efforts, stating, “This operators’ deployment will definitely provide alternative sources of transportation to aug­ment the services currently pro­vided by the Abuja Urban Mass Transit Company.”

He welcomed new private sector participation, citing great­er opportunities to explore in the mass transit sector.

Dr. Yakubu Terry, one of the transportation investors, outlined their strategic plans focused on key city areas and environs.

“Our strategy is not just about the number of buses on the road, it’s about creating a comprehensive and accessible network that serves the diverse needs of our community,” Terry said.

“We will prioritize lucrative routes and leverage technology to optimize routes, reduce wait times, and enhance the overall commuting experience; as we strive for efficiency, a crucial aspect of our strategy is the introduction of cutting-edge digital payment offerings.

“Digital transactions bring with them financial transparency as clear records provide a robust foundation for auditing processes, and transparent fare structures build trust among our passengers; the risk of revenue leakage or mishandling of cash transactions is being significantly reduced.”

He added that the government needs to make the transport sector attractive to encourage investors.