Yuletide travels: Luxury bus operators step up safety, fleet readiness nationwide

Yuletide travels: Luxury bus operators step up safety, fleet readiness nationwide

Luxury long-distance bus operators have assured Nigerians travelling across the country during the Christmas season of safe, well-coordinated and hitch-free journeys.

The Association of Luxury Bus Owners of Nigeria (ALBON) gave the assurance in a statement issued over the weekend, noting that it is fully aware of heightened safety concerns and the seasonal surge in passenger traffic.

The statement, signed by ALBON’s National President, Prince Samuel Ezeh, and Honorary Secretary, Mr. Frank Nneji, said the association is working closely with relevant security agencies to guarantee incident-free operations, particularly on major and high-traffic routes.

According to ALBON, member companies have strengthened their fleets by deploying additional brand-new buses while ensuring older vehicles are properly serviced and maintained to meet safety standards.

“Beyond increasing capacity with new big and small buses, our members have also ensured that existing vehicles are in excellent motoring condition, all in the interest of passenger safety and comfort,” the association said.

However, the transporters appealed to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to urgently address the worsening gridlocks on major highways, warning that prolonged traffic delays could force travellers to spend excessive hours on the road and arrive late at their destinations.

ALBON, which serves as the umbrella body for long-distance transport operators nationwide, said it expects a significant increase in passenger volume this festive season. The association attributed the anticipated surge partly to the steep rise in air fares, which may push many regular air travellers to opt for road transport.

In preparation, ALBON said its members have upgraded their bus fleets and adequately prepared both onboard crew and ground staff to handle the operational demands of the season.

The association also wished Nigerians a merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year, while urging travellers to remain safety-conscious throughout their journeys.