The Kaduna State Government, in a bid to alleviate the financial burden of transportation on its citizens, has unveiled a free bus service initiative for civil servants and students. This 10-day pilot program, scheduled to commence on Monday, July 8, 2025, forms part of the broader Kaduna Subsidised Transport Scheme and underscores Governor Uba Sani’s commitment to easing the cost of living for workers and students within the state. The initiative leverages the recently acquired fleet of 100 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses, inaugurated by President Bola Tinubu during his June 19th visit to Kaduna. This strategic deployment of CNG buses signifies a step towards cleaner and more sustainable public transportation within the state, while simultaneously addressing the immediate needs of commuters grappling with rising transportation costs.
The free bus service is designed to operate on three primary routes, strategically selected to cover major areas within Kaduna metropolis. Route One connects Rigachikun, Kawo, Kasuwa, and Sabo, providing a crucial link between residential and commercial hubs. Route Two focuses on Rigachikun, Kawo, Independence Way, and Yakowa Road, catering to areas with significant government and administrative presence. Route Three covers Tudun Wada, Poly Road, Sokoto Road, and Kawo, facilitating access to educational institutions like the Kaduna Polytechnic and connecting them with other vital parts of the city. These routes are designed to optimize accessibility and ensure efficient movement of commuters across key areas, minimizing travel time and maximizing the impact of the free service.
To ensure the seamless and orderly operation of the free bus service, the Kaduna State Transport Regulatory Authority has implemented specific guidelines for access. Civil servants are required to present valid staff identification cards alongside their National Identification Numbers (NIN) for verification, preventing potential misuse of the service. This dual identification requirement ensures that only eligible civil servants benefit from the program and minimizes the risk of unauthorized access. Students, both from public and private schools, are also eligible to utilize the free bus service, provided they are in their designated school uniforms. This stipulation further streamlines the boarding process and allows for easy identification of student passengers, ensuring that the service reaches its intended beneficiaries.
Furthermore, personnel from recognized security agencies are permitted to use the free bus service upon presentation of appropriate identification. This inclusion recognizes the essential role of security personnel and provides them with convenient and cost-effective transportation, facilitating their movement across the city for enhanced security coverage. The comprehensive identification protocols aim to maintain the integrity of the free bus program and guarantee its efficient operation, ensuring that the intended beneficiaries receive the full benefit of the initiative.
The Kaduna State Transport Regulatory Authority, under the leadership of Director-General Inuwa Ibrahim, has emphasized the importance of maintaining order and decorum during the operation of the free bus service. Commuters are strongly cautioned against disorderly conduct such as rushing, pushing, or jumping queues. Law enforcement agents will be deployed at strategic locations to enforce these regulations and maintain peace and order at bus stops and within the buses. This proactive measure aims to create a safe and conducive environment for all commuters, promoting a culture of respect and orderliness during the period of the free bus service.
The initiative represents a significant step by the Kaduna State Government towards addressing the challenges of public transportation, particularly in the face of rising fuel costs. By providing a temporary but impactful relief measure, the government aims to cushion the economic impact on its citizens and demonstrate its commitment to improving the quality of life for residents. The public is encouraged to take full advantage of this free bus service while adhering to the stipulated guidelines, contributing to a smooth and successful implementation of the program. This collaborative effort between the government and the citizenry will not only provide immediate relief but also offer valuable insights into the effectiveness and long-term sustainability of subsidized transport schemes in Kaduna State.
