By Josephine Oguntoyinbo

To cushion the effect of subsidy removal on fuel, the Ondo State House of Assembly states that there is a need for an efficient transport system in the state, both road and maritime, to make movement affordable and easy for the citizens.

The Chairman of the House Committee on Transport and Public Utilities, Stephen Abitogun, who stated this during a visit to the Ministry of Transport in Akure, noted that the economy is already harsh and what the people need is a transportation system that works for all.

Mr. Abitogun, who was represented by the Vice Chairman, Olatunji Oshatti, explained that on a daily basis, almost everyone boards vehicles to take them to their destination or to transport their goods from one place to another, and the amount used for transport fare is worrisome due to the continuous hike in petrol prices.

While pledging the legislature’s support to the Ministry to make life easier for the people, the committee tasked it with fostering synergy with the House so that they can work together to achieve their goals and ensure safety on the roads.

The lawmakers commended Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for the various reforms in the transport sector and encouraged the management of the ministry to come up with more initiatives aimed at generating revenue for the state.

Other members added that the number of school shuttle buses should be increased in all the local government areas to accommodate the new students and reduce the burden of transport fares on parents.

Earlier, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transport, Akogun Gbenga Omole, said that five more buses have been added to the existing fleet and are being deployed to the three senatorial districts. Additionally, 1,500 life jackets have been procured for those in the riverine areas, while the computerised vehicle centre and the Drivers and Riders Institute in Akure are now in operation to ensure safety on the roads.

Omole told the committee that the installation of traffic lights at junctions will soon begin in Akure and other towns, while a bill to establish a transport policy and efforts to make buses run on gas, as seen in other states, are in the pipeline.

He said that, apart from supervising and installing road signs, road markings, and traffic signals, as well as managing road transport union activities and private transport operators, the ministry also generates revenue for the state.