Commercial drivers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, have lamented low patronage as commuters resort to trekking long distances following an increase in transport fares occasioned by hikes in petrol price.
Daily Trust correspondent, who visited some public parks in the city centre including the popular Jabi Motor Park, Utako and Area 1 Motor Park, observed low turnout of passengers.
Daily Trust reports that in the FCT, a litre of petrol sells for between N1,050 and N1,100, resulting in the hike of transport fares.
A motorist, John Ayuba, said the government should be blamed for the situation in the country.
He said, “This is not what we bargain for. This government promised us that they are going to address all the challenges we witnessed from the past administration, but it is unfortunate, that we are in the same situation.
“Unlike before, when you come here, you will see passengers boarding cars to travel to their various destinations, including those travelling outside the city. But today, the situation is bad.
“Some people only come here to make enquiries and go, because they are looking for where the fare is cheap.”
Another motorist, who pleaded anonymity, attributed the situation to increase in the pump price which he said had resulted in slight adjustments in the transport fares.
He called on the federal government and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to come out with a workable solution to address the issue in the interest of the people.
“As you can see now, due to this increment, many people prefer to trek half of their journey before boarding cabs. Some are begging us to cut down the fare, which is not our fault. Honestly I don’t know where we are heading to in this country.”
Another resident, William Emmanuel, said he decided to trek some distance as part of the strategies to cut down the transport cost.
“We are complaining of high transport fares and cost of living, yet they continue to increase fuel price. We are already suffering as a result of harsh economic policies, which have brought untold hardship and they are making the situation worse by increasing the pump price,” he added.
Some photos from parks:
