BENIN CITY – Commuters in Benin City have lauded Governor Monday Okpebholo and his deputy, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, for introducing a free bus ride initiative as a gesture of gratitude to Edo people for voting them into office during the September 21, 2024, governorship election.
The free bus ride, covering major routes within the Benin metropolis, has provided significant relief to beneficiaries, especially amid the rising cost of transportation.
The buses, adorned with the inscription “Thank You, Edo People, For Voting For Us” and featuring photographs of the governor and his deputy, have become a popular sight in the city.
However, it remains unclear whether this initiative replaces the free bus ride program introduced by the previous administration of Governor Godwin Obaseki as a palliative following the removal of the fuel subsidy.
Speaking anonymously to this reporter, some beneficiaries expressed their gratitude to Governor Okpebholo and his deputy for their generosity and commitment to people-oriented policies since assuming office three weeks ago.
A commuter shared, “The trip from Ring Road to Sapele Road Bypass typically costs between ₦1,000 and ₦1,200. With the free bus ride, I can save up to ₦2,400 daily for a round trip. This is a huge relief for many of us.”
Despite their appreciation, the commuters appealed to the state government to increase the number of buses available for the free ride program, noting that this would enable more residents to benefit from the scheme.
