Abia Governor, Otti launches state owned Electric Buses

 

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, on Monday officially launched the First Phase of the Abia Green Shuttle Electric Bus Service, with the unveiling of 20 Electric Buses for public transportation as part of the State’s drive towards sustainable, efficient and modern urban transportation.

The buses, which are part of the State’s effort to reduce carbon emissions and promote eco-friendly transportation, will offer free rides to commuters starting tomorrow and are expected to ply major routes in the State including Umuahia, Aba, Umunneochi, Ohafia, Ukwa LGAs

 

Governor Otti who announced this at the commissioning ceremony, held at the International Conference Center, Umuahia, described the initiative as a bold step towards the future and a deliberate move to align the State with global climate and sustainability goals.

 

The Governor said 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.

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 to and through 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.

 

The Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who commissioned the buses, described the initiative as “extraordinary” and timely, given the global fight against pollution and climate change.

 

She congratulated Governor 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 three per cent of global carbon emissions, the continent must still play its part in promoting a cleaner and more sustainable environment.

 

“One of the biggest things we suffer from in the world is the problem of pollution and climate change. 

 

“Even though Africa contributes only three percent 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.