FCT Begins Intra-city Transit With Free Wifi, Security Surveillance, Others

FCT Begins Intra-city Transit With Free Wifi, Security Surveillance, Others

  • On Tuesday, February 27th, officials in Nigeria introduced deluxe buses in Abuja, equipped with air conditioning and complimentary Wi-Fi services
  • The first group of fifteen buses, each seating 60 passengers, will operate across different areas of the capital city as part of a public-private partnership initiative
  • In addition to providing Wi-Fi and air conditioning for passengers, the latest FCT buses come equipped with real-time surveillance features to enhance passenger safety

Legit.ng journalist Segun Adeyemi has over 9 years of experience covering political events, civil societies, courts, and metro

FCT, Abuja - Nigerian authorities on Tuesday, February 27, launched air-conditioned luxury buses fitted with free wi-fi in Abuja.

With this development, the director of FCT’s ‘Transport For Abuja’ (TFA) project, Yakubu Terry, said the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has emphatically begun a repositioning process for intra-city transport needs of Abuja residents.

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FCT begins repositioning of intra-city transportation with innovative technology/FCT begins intra-city transit with free Wifi, security surveillance, others
FCT begins intra-city transit with free Wifi and security surveillance.
Source: Original

Speaking on Tuesday, February 27, during the commissioning of the initial batch of fifteen 60-seater buses that will ply various parts of the capital city under a public/private partnership (PPP) programme, Terry stated that under Wike, renewed hope is manifesting.

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During a ceremony at the Eagles Square, Abuja, Terry and the FCT’s Mandate Secretary for Transportation, Uboku Nyah, emphasised that with the TFA project, the FCT has 'decisively commenced the availability of transportation that is secure, convenient and affordable for all Nigerians across various locations in the city'.

He said:

“Our vision for Transport for Abuja is not just about buses and routes, it's a commitment to building a connected, sustainable, and efficient transportation system that will elevate the quality of life for every resident; we envision a city where commuting is seamless, where people can rely on a modern and reliable transit system, and where transportation becomes a facilitator of progress.

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“To turn this vision into reality, ‘Transport for Abuja’ has devised a strategic plan that focuses on key city areas and their environs and by connecting the dots efficiently, we aim to create a web of convenience that threads through the fabric of Abuja; our strategy is not just about the number of buses on the road, it's about creating a comprehensive and accessible network that serves the diverse needs of our community.
“We will prioritize lucrative routes and leverage technology to optimize routes, reduce wait times, and enhance the overall commuting experience; as we strive for efficiency, a crucial aspect of our strategy is the introduction of cutting-edge digital payment offerings."

Digital payment method and introduction of apps

According to Terry, passengers’ convenience is paramount, and the introduction of various digital payment methods and user-friendly mobile apps will ensure that passengers can effortlessly purchase tickets and thereby eliminate the need for physical cash, reduce transaction time and speed up the boarding process with seamless and efficient experience for valued riders.

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Furthermore, he emphasised that operational efficiency, through the adoption of digital payments, will ensure that revenue collection becomes streamlined with an automated ticketing system that reduces manual efforts and minimises errors.

His words:

“Our digital payment offerings are not just about transactions; they are a gateway to enhanced customer engagement and loyalty; we will introduce loyalty programs and discounts for digital payment users, and we are committed to maintaining open lines of communication through digital channels for updates, promotions, and feedback.
“Digital transactions bring with them financial transparency as clear records provide a robust foundation for auditing processes, and transparent fare structures build trust among our passengers; the risk of revenue leakage or mishandling of cash transactions is being significantly reduced.”

Aside from the free onboard wi-fi and air-conditioning for passengers, the new FCT buses are equipped with live surveillance features for safety.

According to an official, Roy Kweku, who conducted government officials, including Zacharia Nyampa, and other members of the House of Representatives on a short intra-city tour, the goal of TFA is to use innovative methods and ICT towards transforming the urban transportation experience for Nigerians.

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Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu okayed a 50% rebate for inter-state travel across 22 luxurious bus routes to address concerns of a hike in transportation fares.

The daily routes include movement from Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and others to different regions.

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Segun Adeyemi avatar

Segun Adeyemi (Current Affairs and Politics Editor) Segun Adeyemi is a journalist with over 9 years of experience as an active field reporter, editor, and editorial manager. He has had stints with Daily Trust newspaper, Daily Nigerian, and News Digest. He currently works as an editor for Legit.ng's current affairs and politics desk. He holds a degree in Mass Communication (Adekunle Ajasin University). He is a certified digital reporter by Reuters, AFP and the co-convener of the annual campus journalism awards. Email: segun.adeyemi@corp.legit.ng.