The Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles (Pi-CNG & EV) on Saturday handed over five electric vehicles to transport operators in Kano to provide affordable transportation to commuters.
The electric vehicles with 20-seater capacity were handed over to two transport operators, Camel Mobility and Kano Metropolitan Transport Company in Kano State.
Speaking at the handing over ceremony in Kano on Saturday, Ahmed Katuka, Manager Assets of Pi-CNG & EV, said the deployment was projected to crash transport fares for commuters by at least 40 per cent.
Katuka said the electric buses were in addition to the existing fleet of 14-seater and high-capacity buses already deployed to the state.
He said the initiative was part of the federal government’s unwavering commitment to promoting cleaner, safer, more affordable and sustainable transportation across the country.
“This strategic intervention shows the federal government’s determination to accelerate the transition towards cleaner energy and modern mobility solutions while improving access to affordable public transportation.
“The deployment is expected to significantly reduce the cost of transportation for commuters, with fares projected to be at least 40 per cent lower than prevailing conventional transport fares.
“Beyond affordability, the initiative will contribute to reducing carbon emissions, improving passenger safety and comfort, and promoting environmentally friendly urban mobility.
“This progressive expansion reflects our commitment to strengthening public transportation infrastructure, empowering private sector operators and ensuring that the benefits of the federal government’s cleaner mobility agenda translate into tangible improvements in the daily lives of Nigerians,” Katuka said.
Responding after receiving the vehicles, the Chief Operating Officer of Camel Mobility, Ahmed Garba-Ahmed, commended the Chairman of Pi-CNG & EV for what he described as a wonderful initiative and innovation brought into the sector.
He said the electric vehicle sector was a big ecosystem and a welcome development, noting that the initiative would go a long way to help provide efficient transport solutions for the people of Kano.
Garba-Ahmed, who pledged that the vehicles would be put to use to ease transportation for Kano people, noted that similar buses were already on the roads of Abuja, Lagos and other states across the country.
He appealed to the Kano State Government to create corridors like bus stops, enabling environment and security architecture to operate the vehicles efficiently.
On his part, the Manager, Kano Division of the Kano Metropolitan Transport Company, Ahmad Rufai-Yusuf, said the initiative would cut down cost spent on fuel for motorists and, on the other hand, reduce transport fares for passengers.
