On Wednesday, Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State launched a new transport scheme to bring succour to the hardship being suffered by commuters in the state following the removal of fuel subsidy by the Federal Government.
Governor Diri unveiled the 100 cabs and six luxury buses yesterday at the DSP Alamieyeseigha Banquet Hall premises, Yenagoa.
In his address, Diri stated that the initiative was his administration’s palliative to boost the transport sector.
He said: “This is another historic day as we launch this fleet of transport vehicles to relieve the suffering of our people.
“For those who have been crying over the ban on commercial tricycles at night, this is an effective replacement. The ban is, however, still in force.”
“Now, we have taxis that will run within the city of Yenagoa and environs to the Niger Delta University at Amassoma, to the airport and the Federal University, Otuoke and other towns,” Governor Diri noted.
The Governor thanked residents of the state for their patience, saying “You know that your government has your welfare at heart.”
He, however, urged the youths in the state to take advantage of the initiative to empower themselves just as he projected that over 100 youths would be engaged as drivers in the intra-state and intra-city transport scheme.
Handing over the vehicle keys to Bayelsa State Transport Company, BSTC, General Manager, Chief Timi Fanama, Governor Diri urged the management to make good use of the vehicles to enhance the transport system.
On his part, Fanama urged the youths to avail themselves of the scheme and see driving as a career.
