CNG Buses Bring Lower Fares for Some Abuja Commuters as Drivers Highlight Benefits
Some commuters in Abuja are reporting lower transportation costs following the increased use of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered buses on routes around the Federal Capital Territory.
At Banex, commuters interviewed about the service said fares on some journeys that previously cost between ₦1,000 and ₦1,500 had fallen to around ₦600 or ₦700 when using the CNG buses.
One passenger described the difference in personal spending, saying the lower fares had significantly reduced the amount he spends on transportation.
Commercial drivers also expressed positive views about the programme. Umar Aliyu, a CNG bus driver, said the initiative had created opportunities for Nigerians in areas including driving, mechanics and marketing.
Another commercial driver similarly pointed to the lower fares as a benefit for both passengers and operators.
The experiences come as the Federal Government continues its CNG initiative as part of efforts to provide alternative transportation options following changes in fuel prices and the removal of petrol subsidies.
The programme is intended to reduce transportation costs for Nigerians while encouraging the use of vehicles powered by compressed natural gas.
What It Means for Commuters
For passengers who are able to access CNG buses at the reported fares, the immediate benefit is a reduction in daily transportation expenses.
However, the actual savings vary depending on the route, operator, availability of buses and the fare charged on alternative forms of transportation. Wider benefits will also depend on how extensively CNG buses are deployed and whether affordable fares can be maintained over time.
The experiences of commuters and drivers in Abuja therefore provide an indication of how the CNG programme is affecting some transport users, while broader assessments will require data covering more routes and passengers.