…offers free ride to commuters during Yuletide
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), has described the Abia Green Shuttle Electric Bus Service initiative as extraordinary and timely, given the global fight against pollution and climate change.
Okonjo-Iweala, made the commendation, on Monday, in Umuahia, the Abia State capital, at the unveiling of 20 electric buses, the first phase of the Abia Green Shuttle Electric Bus Service, for public transportation, as part of the State’s drive towards sustainable, efficient and modern urban transportation.
She congratulated Governor Alex Otti and his team for what she described as visionary leadership, noting that the initiative, would contribute to cleaner air and healthier cities.
According to her, although Africa contributes only about 3% of global carbon emissions, the continent must still play its part in promoting a cleaner and more sustainable environment.
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“One of the biggest things we suffer from in the world is the problem of pollution and climate change.
“Even though Africa contributes only 3% of global carbon emissions, yet all of us have to contribute to a better climate for the world”, she said.
Okonjo-Iweala, expressed optimism that the project, would mark the beginning of environmentally friendly transport reforms in Abia.
“So the fact that in Abia State, we are doing something extraordinary in bringing these buses is just a delightful thing. I hope that this is just the beginning and we will go from strength to strength”, the WTO boss said.
She lauded the State Government on the achievement and urged it to sustain the momentum in climate-smart development initiatives.
Governor Alex Otti, said that the buses, which are part of the State’s effort to reduce carbon emissions and promote eco-friendly transportation, woukd offer free rides to commuters during Yuletide and are expected to ply major routes in the State, including Umuahia, Aba, Umunneochi, Ohafia, Ukwa East and Ukwa West Local Government Areas.
Governor Otti described the initiative as a bold step towards the future and a deliberate move to align the State with global climate and sustainability goals.
He said that the project, which began as a plan to procure Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses, was deliberately upgraded to electric vehicles in line with the world’s transition towards net-zero emissions.
He explained that although CNG buses are cleaner, they still emit carbon, which prompted the State to “leapfrog” into full electrification.
“Today is a special day for us in Abia State, as it defines our movement towards the future. Like has been explained, the journey started with Compressed Natural Gas powered buses, but then we had in mind the target that the world is headed towards and that is net zero emission.
“We knew that even though CNGs are cleaner gases, they are also not without emissions. And we thought we should leapfrog and go to electric buses”, Governor Otti added.
The Governor, disclosed that the procurement process encountered challenges, including the need to redesign the buses to make them compliant with the needs of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs).
“At some point we realised that they were not PWD compliant and we had to start afresh to ensure that they were built in. And I can announce Today that the 20 electric buses here are PWD compliant”, he said.
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Governor Otti, further revealed that the project was nearly stalled, due to delays in the delivery of charging infrastructure after the vessel conveying them suffered a mid-sea accident, but said the State successfully improvised.
“So we now had to put on our thinking caps and somehow we found a solution. And Today we have charging stations here. We are expecting a few more”, he stated.
According to him, the buses will begin scheduled operations immediately, with free rides for commuters until January, as part of efforts to familiarise residents with the new system.
“For this period between tomorrow and sometime in January, these buses will take our citizens free of charge. You get into the bus stations, you queue up. Once the bus arrives it is first come first served”, Governor Otti said.
The Governor, who warned that misconduct, would be tracked through onboard surveillance cameras, also announced plans to install public charging stations across Aba, Umuahia and other parts of the State.
He encouraged residents to consider electric vehicles, as a cheaper long-term transport option.
Cosmos Maduka, President/Chief Executive Officer of Coscharis Group, said that Abia had provided national leadership, by becoming the first State to officially launch electric buses for public transportation in Nigeria.
“This afternoon, Abia State is the first official State that is launching electric buses into this country. And there’s no doubt that other States are going to follow suit”, he said.
Maduka, revealed that his company initially proposed CNG buses to the State Government, but commended Governor Otti’s insistence on electric buses.
“We did everything we can to convince him to go CNG, but he insisted it would be electrification or nothing. it’s not a dream anymore, it’s a reality”, Maduka said.
The COSCHARIS boss, highlighted the advanced features of the buses, including air-conditioning, surveillance cameras and onboard charging ports, stressing that the service was designed for all social classes.
He predicted that the buses, would gradually reduce reliance on tricycles and motorcycles in the State’s urban centres, assuring that the Abia Green Shuttle Bus Service has no discomfort.
Godfrey Ofurum
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