Residents of Abia State will no longer enjoy completely free rides on the government’s Green Shuttle buses as the state has officially introduced a paid transport system—though at half the cost for commuters.
The decision by the administration of Alex Otti took effect on March 1, 2026, marking the end of the free mass transit service that had been operating for months across the state.
Speaking after the State Executive Council meeting in Umuahia, the Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, announced that the government has now rolled out a 50 percent fare subsidy to keep transportation affordable while ensuring the programme remains sustainable.
According to Kanu, the move became necessary as the government seeks to maintain the buses, sustain operations, and guarantee reliable public transportation for residents.
Under the new arrangement, passengers must now pay their fares digitally using the Abia Connect Card, a cashless payment card linked to the Abia State Social Identification Number (ABSSIN).
To make the transition easier, the government has deployed registration agents to major bus terminals and bus shelters in Umuahia and Aba, where residents can sign up and obtain their cards.
The commissioner also disclosed that the Green Shuttle service witnessed massive patronage during its free phase, revealing that more than 202,000 passengers used the buses between December 24, 2025, and March 8, 2026.
Despite the end of free rides, the Abia government insists the subsidised fare system will keep transportation affordable while ensuring the long-term survival of the mass transit programme across the state.
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