Ogun’s Green Move: CNG Bus Stations Coming to Ibafo, Mowe, and Beyond

InfoStride News reports that the Ogun State Government has unveiled its initiative to kickstart the construction of bus stations, a crucial component of the upcoming Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Mass Transit scheme along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway corridor. The Commissioner for Transportation, Engr Dairo Olugbenga, shared this information during a radio program in Abeokuta on Thursday. The proposed stations are slated for strategic locations within the Mowe, Ibafo Arepo, and Berger axis of the Lagos-Ibadan expressway.

Construction of the CNG bus stations is poised to commence soon, as the necessary implementation frameworks have been established. The commissioner emphasized that these stations would play a pivotal role in mitigating environmental pollution by curbing emissions, thereby fostering a cleaner and safer environment in the state.

In his plea to the public, Olugbenga urged the citizens to support this developmental initiative, emphasizing its significance in enhancing the movement of people and goods in Ogun State. He underscored the positive impact on environmental health, stating, “I want to use this medium to plead to our people for their support, as this is another integral part of development geared towards easing the movement of people and goods in Ogun State, which will serve as a respite to environmental pollution by reducing emissions and promote a cleaner and safer environment in the state.”

Further insights into the project reveal that CNG-powered mass transit buses will be deployed along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway corridor to facilitate more affordable and secure transportation ahead of the completion of the dedicated bus stations.

Additionally, Commissioner Olugbenga highlighted key elements that govern the operation of the urban transportation system in Ogun State, including infrastructure, law compliance, operation, and price control. He elucidated on these factors, stating, “We need to let our people know that there are four applicable and adopted ways to transportation, and that is infrastructure, which if you observe during our first tenure, the Governor has worked on bad roads in all the local government areas across the state, and work is still on-going.”

He continued by addressing law enforcement as another critical aspect, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that all road users adhere to rules and regulations for the safety and security of passengers and drivers. The commissioner further outlined plans for formalizing transport operations, requiring operators to manage fleets of 10 to 30 buses. He expressed the intention to encourage current operators to form cooperatives, facilitating better management and monitoring of transportation activities in the state.

Adding to these measures, Olugbenga touched upon the administration’s commitment to price control, assuring the public that efforts are underway to provide affordable transportation options for the residents of Ogun State. The multifaceted approach outlined by the commissioner reflects the government’s comprehensive strategy to enhance transportation infrastructure, promote safety and compliance, streamline operations, and ensure cost-effective solutions for the people of Ogun State. As the construction of CNG bus stations progresses, it is anticipated that these initiatives will collectively contribute to a more efficient and sustainable urban transportation system in the region.