Abia State Launches Subsidized Fare Service for Transit

The Abia State Government, led by Governor Alex Otti, has announced the conversion of its free green shuttle service into a fare-based system, which will include a 50% subsidy for passengers. This change will take effect on March 1, 2026, as part of a broader initiative to ensure the long-term sustainability and efficiency of the mass transit scheme.

Okei Kanu, the Commissioner for Transport, highlighted that the commercial service will operate on inter and intra-city routes, with the introduction of an e-ticketing system requiring passengers to obtain an Abia Connect card linked to the state’s social insurance number. Currently, 70 bus shelters have been established across Umuahia and Aba, with plans for further development.

The rollout of the mass transit service is expected to begin on December 24, 2025, with a total of 202,601 passengers anticipated to use the service. Additionally, the state government plans to launch a tech empowerment program for youth, further enhancing local development.