While commissioning the scheme, the governor stated that the mass transit project is aimed at addressing transportation challenges along the Jogana, Yankura to Janguza areas of the state.
The vehicles adorned with green and white stripes was scheduled to commence operations immediately.
In his remarks on the occasion, Ganduje, said, ”The construction and extension of many roads, flyovers and underpasses, including other infrastructure are considered necessary for an industrious city, like the metropolitan city of Kano.
“To ensure effective and sustainable benefits of the investment and functional transport, the infrastructure needs to be provided for an efficient mass transit system that will fit into the new prolific city, like Kano.
“Hitherto, the absence of efficient mass transit led to the proliferation of tricycles, as the main public means of transportation within the metropolitan city. The consequences of the situation resulted in traffic congestion, which has hit a critical level, while security of lives and property are becoming a great source of concern.”
In addition, Ganduje disclosed that the Kanawa bus service would commence operations on a pilot basis, with the 100 high capacity buses, which were procured at the cost of N2.5 billion.
The service is to be operated by a private operator, so as to ensure efficiency and accountability, as well as for effective management on a public-private partnership arrangement, pointing out that the additional 200 buses were expected to be provided in next year’s budget, so as to cover other corridors.
“To achieve this objective, we have directed the state investment and properties board, to invest in the new taxis and rent it on hire purchase to the members of the tricycle association, who are likely to be displaced following the commissioning of the buses and cabs.
“This component of the scheme will be revolving until all the corridors are fully covered by this service.”
Earlier, the chairman of the organising committee, Rabiu Bichi, who expressed appreciation to the governor for presenting the buses, urged stakeholders to take the project to the desired stage.
He said eight local government areas within the metropolis would observe the pilot take off of the service, while calling on investors to key into the developmental initiative.
