Abuja residents lament hike in transport fares by motorists

Residents of the Federal Capital Territory are lamenting the hike in transport fares across the region.

Our correspondent conducted a survey on Wednesday and found out that the transport cost has increased significantly in some areas. For example, the fare from Kuje to Area One, which used to be N400, has increased to N600, while the fare from Gwagwalada to Central Area has increased from N500 to N700.

Similarly, the cost of traveling from Airport Junction to Lugbe has increased from N200 to N300. The fare from AYA to Central Area has increased from N150 to N300, while the fare from Central Area to Kuje has increased from N500 to N800. The cost of transport from Lugbe to Berger has increased from N200 to N300, and the fare from Wuse to Lugbe has increased from N300 to N400.

Additionally, the fare for tricycles from Airport Junction to Lokogoma has increased from N150 to N200. Furthermore, there are only a few vehicles on the road, leaving commuters with limited options.

Some residents informed our correspondent that the increase in transport fare was not related to the announcement made by President Bola Tinubu on Monday. According to The Punch, Tinubu announced after taking the oath of office that “the fuel subsidy is over”. As a result of this announcement, filling stations in the region have increased their pump prices, and there is a shortage of premium motor spirit in the capital, leading to long queues at petrol stations.

Joshua, a resident of Kuje, expressed apprehension on Friday that the situation could worsen.

He said, ‘Coming to the city from Kuje has become expensive. I have told myself that I will not come to the city if I am not sure of my mission. This will enable me to cut costs for now. To think that today is the second day of the President’s statement, I can assure you that the transporters will take advantage of this and the fares will still increase. ,

Another resident, who gave his name as Blessing, said the removal of subsidies had added to the woes of many residents.

She said, “Considering what I experienced today, the money I would have to spend to work from my home would increase significantly. I live in Guagvalada. The N700 brought me to work today, I started I was reluctant to board the vehicle until I realized they were all calling the same price, it previously cost us between N400 and N500. I hope the pay will be reviewed, things are tough And it will be very difficult for people to cope.”

A commercial driver, who simply gave his name as Abdulsalam, blamed the increase on the high cost of PMS.

Abdulsalam who drives between Airport Junction and Lugbe told our correspondent that the cost of transportation may increase further depending on the availability and price of fuel.

He said, “After buying fuel for the N500, you don’t expect me to take it at the same price that we used to do for the N150. Some of my mates are still at the filling station, they haven’t got the fuel yet. Some people may purchase from the black market, so do you think they will keep the old price? To tell you the truth, we haven’t fixed the price in this park yet, it may be higher depending on the situation of things But the price can’t be lower. We’re all in this together.”