By Cecilia Ogezi
The recent hike in pump prices has been a significant blow to the average Nigerian, deepening the economic strain felt across the country. Daily commuting has become an increasingly difficult task for the common man, with transportation costs rising faster than wages. For many, essential mobility is now a luxury. In light of these challenges, there is an urgent need to revive the Federal Mass Transit Buses, a system that once offered affordable and reliable public transport across the nation.
Federal Mass Transit Buses, a cornerstone of the government’s transportation policy in the 1980s and 1990s, were designed to provide affordable transportation options for citizens. The buses, which operated across major cities and towns, not only eased traffic congestion but also significantly reduced the cost of commuting for the average Nigerian. With subsidies on fuel and operational costs, fares remained low, ensuring that even the most vulnerable could afford to travel to work, school, or the market.
In the years since their withdrawal from the roads, private sector operators have taken over the transport landscape, but at much higher fares. While this shift may have been sustainable in times of lower fuel prices, the recent price hikes have placed an unbearable burden on both commuters and transport operators. The need for an alternative has never been clearer.
The sharp increase in pump prices, driven by global oil market fluctuations and domestic economic policies, has had ripple effects across the board. Transport costs have surged, with operators adjusting fares to cope with higher operating expenses. This has, in turn, escalated the cost of goods and services, deepening inflation and pushing millions further into poverty.
Reintroducing Federal Mass Transit Buses would provide a critical cushion against these escalating costs. The buses would operate on subsidized fuel or alternative energy sources, allowing fares to remain significantly lower than those of private operators. For the common man, this means a return to affordable mobility an essential factor for accessing employment, education, and healthcare.
Moreover, with the buses catering to large numbers of passengers at a time, traffic congestion would ease, reducing fuel consumption across the board. This would not only mitigate the impact of pump price hikes but also contribute to reducing carbon emissions in urban areas.
The advantages of reviving the Federal Mass Transit Buses extend far beyond cost savings. For one, it would signal the government’s commitment to inclusive policies that prioritize the needs of the people over market forces. It would also stimulate job creation drivers, conductors, maintenance personnel, and support staff would all be essential to the successful running of the system. Furthermore, a well-managed mass transit system would attract investments in infrastructure, improving the state of roads and transportation networks.
The revival of the buses could also lead to improvements in public transport regulation and safety standards, ensuring that commuters are not only paying less but are also traveling in better conditions.
At its core, the reintroduction of Federal Mass Transit Buses would represent a step toward social equity. The common man, who bears the brunt of inflationary pressures, stands to benefit the most from this intervention. By easing the cost of transportation, the government would empower millions of Nigerians to pursue economic opportunities that are currently out of reach due to prohibitive commuting costs. It would restore a semblance of dignity to the daily lives of citizens, reaffirming their right to affordable public services.
In conclusion, as the cost of living continues to rise, the return of Federal Mass Transit Buses is not only a matter of economic necessity but also a policy decision that could alleviate the struggles of millions. It is time for the government to act decisively, bringing back a system that once worked and can once again offer a solution to the challenges of today.
