In a recent stakeholders’ engagement meeting, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) announced its intentions to implement a Unified Standard Transportation System in Abuja.
Dr. Abdulateef Bello, the Director of the Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS), shared this information on Monday, emphasizing the need for an organized and standardized transportation system in the nation’s capital.
Dr. Bello disclosed that the recovery of taxi ranks, which had previously been issued quit notices within the capital city, would soon commence. The objective is to reorganize these ranks for licensed operators, contributing to a more regulated transportation environment.
Highlighting the necessity of standardizing the transportation system in Abuja, Dr. Bello stressed that as the city rapidly evolves, no aspect of its development should be neglected. He asserted that an organized transportation system is imperative to meet the needs of all citizens.
The FCTA, in collaboration with consultants, has finalized plans to introduce buses using Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) to address mass transit challenges in Abuja. Dr. Bello explained that these buses, once deployed on various routes, will replace rickety vehicles and taxis that have been causing disruptions on Abuja roads.
Stakeholders in the transportation sector, such as Dr. Abubakar Sadiq, the Chairman of RTEIN Mass Transit, welcomed the new policies but emphasized the importance of considering the interests of critical players in the industry. Okorie Victor, the Chairman of Self Employed Commercial Drivers Association (SECDAN), urged the administration to conduct aggressive sensitization campaigns to ensure that all stakeholders fully comprehend the evolving transportation policies.