Kaduna Free CNG Buses Save Commuters N3.5bn in One Year

• Kaduna State’s free Compressed Natural Gas mass transit scheme has saved commuters more than N3.5 billion in transport costs, with over 3.2 million passenger trips recorded since the initiative began.

• The state government has deployed 100 CNG-powered buses on major routes, while construction of 200 modern bus stops is nearing completion to strengthen the transport network.

• Officials say the programme will be extended to Zaria and Kafanchan after the completion of CNG refuelling stations, with digital monitoring systems already deployed to improve safety and efficiency.

July 23 , () — Kaduna State says its free Compressed Natural Gas mass transit programme has saved commuters more than N3.5 billion in transport costs over the past year, with more than 3.2 million passenger trips recorded since the initiative was launched.

The state government said the scheme, introduced by Governor Uba Sani’s administration to cushion the impact of rising transportation costs, has become a key component of its drive to provide affordable and environmentally friendly public transport.

Speaking during an inspection of newly constructed CNG bus stops in Kaduna, the Acting Managing Director of Kaduna Line and Acting Director-General of the Kaduna State Transport Regulatory Authority, Inuwa Ibrahim, said the programme had continued to improve access to safe and reliable transportation across the state.

According to him, the government currently operates 100 CNG-powered buses free of charge on major routes, helping millions of residents reduce their commuting expenses.

“As of today, over 3.2 million passengers have benefited from the scheme, while commuters have collectively saved more than N3.5 billion that would have been spent on transportation,” Ibrahim said.

Bus network expands across Kaduna
The state has also intensified efforts to improve supporting infrastructure, with more than 80 percent of the 200 bus stops planned for the scheme already completed.

Ibrahim said one of the busiest routes, stretching from Rigachikun through Kawo to Sabon Tasha, serves over 30 communities daily, significantly improving mobility for residents and workers.

He added that buses operate from morning until evening on designated routes, providing commuters with a dependable alternative to conventional transport services.

Beyond expanding the fleet, the state has integrated digital technology into the transport system to improve operational efficiency and passenger safety.

According to Ibrahim, every CNG bus has been equipped with Intelligent Transport System devices linked to a central control centre, enabling officials to monitor vehicle movements and activities at bus stops in real time.

“The buses are fully digitised. Through our control centre, we can track every vehicle in operation and monitor activities at the bus stops to enhance service delivery, security and operational efficiency,” he said.

He noted that the monitoring platform would strengthen oversight of the public transport network while improving service quality for commuters.

Looking ahead, Ibrahim said the government plans to extend the free CNG bus service to Zaria and Kafanchan once ongoing CNG refuelling stations in both cities are completed.

He described the initiative as one of the flagship projects of the Uba Sani administration, aimed at lowering transport costs, promoting cleaner energy and expanding access to modern public transportation across Kaduna State.