Fuel subsidy: Bayelsa gov rolls out 106-vehicle palliative

Fuel subsidy: Bayelsa gov rolls out 106-vehicle palliative

Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri has unveiled a new transport scheme as part of measures to alleviate the suffering of commuters in the state caused by the Federal Government’s removal of fuel subsidy.

Diri, who inaugurated 100 cabs and six luxury buses at the DSP Alamieyeseigha Banquet Hall premises yesterday, said the initiative was his administration’s palliative to boost the transport sector.

The governor acknowledged the hardship on Bayelsans due to the removal of subsidy on petrol.

He also reaffirmed that the restriction on commercial tricycles at night was still in force and that taxis and buses were an effective replacement.

Diri, who said his administration had completed and inaugurated the Bayelsa State Transport Terminal started by his predecessor, said the launch of the transport scheme will make the terminal functional.

“This is another historic day as we launch this fleet of transport vehicles to alleviate the suffering of our people.

“For those who have been crying over the ban on commercial tricycles at night, this is an effective replacement. The ban is however still in force.

“Now, we have taxis that will run within the city of Yenagoa and environs to the Niger Delta University at Amassoma, to the airport and the Federal University, Otuoke and other towns.

“I appreciate all Bayelsans for their patience. You know that your government has your welfare at heart.”

He called on youths of the state to take full advantage of the initiative to empower themselves just as he projected that over 100 youths would be engaged as drivers in the intra-state and intra-city transport scheme.

Handing over the keys of the vehicles to the General Manager, Bayelsa State Transport Company (BSTC), Chief Timi Fanama, the governor said the new arrangement would be different from previous government’s transport initiatives in the state.

He urged the management to make good use of the vehicles to enhance the transport system.