The Abia State Government has converted its Free Green Shuttle scheme into a commercial fare-paying service, with a 50 per cent subsidy approved by Governor Alex Otti.

The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this on Monday at the Government House in Umuahia while briefing journalists on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting presided over by the governor.

Kanu said the transition commenced on March 1, 2026, noting that the subsidy covers all inter- and intra-city routes currently operated under the bus service scheme.

“The transition marks a critical step towards ensuring the long-term sustainability and operational efficiency of the scheme,” he stated.

E-ticketing, Abia Connect Card Introduced

With the commercialisation of the scheme, the government has introduced an e-ticketing system, which grants access through the Abia Connect Card.

Kanu explained that obtaining the Abia State Social Insurance Number (ABSSIN) is now a mandatory requirement for acquiring the Abia Connect Card.

To ease the transition, the Ministry of Transport, in collaboration with agencies such as the Harmonised Task Force, Homeland Security, and the Abia State Road Traffic Management Agency, has intensified stakeholder engagement, sensitisation and enforcement exercises across Umuahia and Aba.

ABSSIN enumerators and touch-and-pay agents have also been deployed to bus shelters and designated locations to assist commuters with registration and card funding.

Currently, the state has 70 bus shelters — 30 in Umuahia and 40 in Aba. All 30 in Umuahia are operational, while 38 in Aba are operational, with two nearing completion.

Over 200,000 Passengers Recorded

According to the commissioner, 202,601 passengers utilised the mass transit buses between the rollout date of December 24, 2025, and March 8, 2026.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Transport, Dr Chimezie Ukaegbu, and the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, described the service as being in its pilot phase, assuring residents that improvements would be made over time.

They explained that the new system aims to eliminate distortions, curb extortion by commercial vehicle and tricycle operators, and enhance transportation efficiency across the state.

Techrise Programme, Road Projects

Beyond transportation, Kanu revealed that the state government would soon launch Cohort 3 of its Techrise youth empowerment programme, designed to equip young Abians with digital technology skills. About 1,350 youths have already been trained under Cohorts 1 and 2.

On infrastructure, he disclosed that 22.5 kilometres of the final stretch of the Uzuakoli–Akara–Ohafia Road had been completed, while contract works are ongoing at 31 locations statewide.

Additionally, direct labour projects are underway at 49 locations, including the completed 1.25-kilometre Madonna Hospital Road in Umuahia. Four new road maintenance and construction projects have also been added across Bende, Isuikwuato and Umunneochi local government areas.

The government maintains that the commercialisation of the shuttle service, alongside ongoing infrastructure and youth empowerment initiatives, forms part of a broader strategy to drive sustainable development and improve service delivery in Abia State.