Ondo govt plans electric bus scheme to reduce transport fares
By Boye Oyeyemi
The Ondo State Government is planning to introduce an app-based electric bus service in Akure, the state capital, to reduce transportation costs, improve passenger safety and provide a more reliable commuting system.
The state’s Special Adviser on Transport, Olumuyiwa Ogunyemi, disclosed this at a meeting with journalists in Akure on Monday, saying the initiative aligned with the administration’s efforts to promote affordable transportation through alternative energy sources.
The project, proposed by information technology firm ADMINSERV, will begin with five electric buses, with plans to expand the fleet to 150 if the pilot phase proves successful. The company also plans to establish solar-powered charging stations at selected bus stops.
ADMINSERV’s Managing Director, Peter Nnmani, said the initiative was designed to address high transport costs, delays, pollution and security concerns. He added that a mobile application, expected to be ready within two weeks, would allow passengers to access the service, while commuters without smartphones could use rechargeable Cowry cards.
According to the company, passengers could spend between ₦5,000 and ₦6,000 monthly on transportation, compared with an estimated ₦9,000 under existing arrangements. Nnmani said the buses would operate on scheduled routes to reduce delays caused by drivers waiting to pick up additional passengers.
To improve passenger safety, ADMINSERV plans to equip the buses with closed-circuit television cameras, vehicle-tracking systems and digital monitoring facilities. Operations are expected to run from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. initially, with the possibility of extending the service to 24 hours, depending on demand.
The company said the project could create between 40 and 50 jobs for drivers, cleaners and technical personnel, while offering opportunities to graduates with relevant information technology and transport-related skills. It also aims to cover at least half of Akure during the initial phase.
Ogunyemi said private investors would finance the infrastructure, while the state government would provide an enabling environment and security. He added that further discussions would address technical and implementation concerns, noting that the government was also exploring the establishment of compressed natural gas facilities in Akure and Ore to expand access to alternative energy.
