Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri has released 106 vehicles in a bid to alleviate the suffering of commuters in the state following the removal of fuel subsidy by the Federal Government.
Diri inaugurated 100 cabs and six luxury buses at the DSP Alamieyeseigha Banquet Hall premises yesterday, July 19, saying that it is the initiative of his government.
In a statement by his chief press secretary Daniel Alabrah, the governor acknowledged the hardship on Bayelsans due to the removal of the subsidy on petrol.
He said that the restriction on commercial tricycles at night is still in force and that taxis and buses are an effective replacement.
Diri, who said that his government has completed and inaugurated the Bayelsa State Transport Terminal started by his predecessor, said that 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.”
The governor called on youths in 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.
While handing over the keys of the vehicles to the general manager of the Bayelsa State Transport Company (BSTC) Timi Fanama, the governor said that the new arrangement will be different from previous government’s transport initiatives in the state and urged the management to make good use of the vehicles to enhance the transport system.
Fanama called on the youths to avail themselves of the scheme and see driving as a career.
