.By Raphael Innocent
The Edo government has unveiled series of new measures aimed at improving traffic flow, enhancing passenger safety and promoting orderliness across the state’s transportation system.
Addressing newsmen in Benin on Thursday, the Edo State Commissioner for Transportation, Saturday Uwuilekhue, said the state is profiling commercial transport operators, and issuing security identification numbers to them.
He said the ministry introduced stricter enforcement against illegal parking, loading and unloading of passengers among others, and that offenders would be punished accordingly.
Uwuilekhue said one of the major reforms introduced by the government was the ban on unregistered commercial vehicles to ensure proper identification, regulation and uniformity within the transport sector.
According to him, the policy has achieved more than 80 per cent compliance, with most commercial buses and tricycles now operating in the approved state colours.
The commissioner disclosed that the ministry had commenced the profiling of commercial transport operators to create a comprehensive database for planning, security and regulatory purposes.
He added that operators would be issued security identification numbers to enhance passenger safety and make it easier to identify transport operators.
He also said the government had intensified enforcement against indiscriminate parking, illegal loading and unloading of passengers, and other activities that contributed to traffic congestion.
He said restrictions on movement of heavy-duty vehicles along major roads and market corridors during peak hours, as well as regulations limiting operation of motorcycles and tricycles on designated roads within the metropolis remained in force.
“The first is the ban on the use of unpatented commercial vehicles within the state. This policy was introduced to ensure uniformity, proper identification, and regulation of commercial transport. And so far, we have achieved over 80 per cent implementation of this policy,” Uwuilekhue said.
He further revealed that the state had revitalised the Edo Line transport service and procured about 100 buses, with an additional 50 expected to be added to the fleet.
“The government has also taken delivery of 50 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses to improve intra-city and inter-city transportation and provide residents with more affordable commuting options.”
The commissioner said the ministry was also engaging private investors and development partners on several projects, including the revitalisation of courier services, and the development of modern parking facilities and transit parks.
He also disclosed the introduction of the EdoRide app, a technology-driven ride-hailing and intercity transportation service.
He further assured the residents of government’s commitment to ensuring safety, efficiency and orderliness in the Edo transport sector. (NAN)
