The Abia State Government has converted its previously free Green Shuttle mass transit service into a paid system, introducing a 50 per cent fare subsidy to keep transportation affordable for residents.
Commissioner for Information, Mr Okey Kanu, disclosed this on Monday while briefing journalists after the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti in Umuahia.
Kanu explained that the new arrangement took effect from March 1, 2026, noting that the move became necessary to ensure the sustainability and smooth operation of the transport scheme.
He said commuters will now pay subsidised fares using the Abia Connect Card, a cashless payment card linked to the Abia State Social Identification Number, ABSSIN.
According to him, registration agents have been deployed to major bus terminals and shelters across Umuahia and Aba to assist residents in registering and obtaining the card for seamless access to the service.
The commissioner also revealed that “over 202,000 passengers benefited from the shuttle service between December 24, 2025, and March 8, 2026, when the buses were largely free”.
He added “that the introduction of subsidised fares would help maintain the transport programme and ensure that residents continue to enjoy reliable and affordable public transportation across the state”.
