Kaduna: The Kaduna State Government has announced the initiation of a free bus service for civil servants, retirees, and students under its Subsidised Transport Scheme (KSTS), commencing Monday. The service aims to alleviate transportation challenges for key population segments over an initial six-month period.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the announcement was made by Mr. Inuwa Ibrahim, Director-General of the Kaduna State Transport Regulatory Authority (KADSTRA), in a statement issued on Sunday. The initiative will benefit students from primary to tertiary levels in both public and private schools as part of Gov. Uba Sani's effort to ease the cost of living for state residents.
Ibrahim outlined that after the initial six-month period, a 60% subsidy on transport fares would be introduced for the general public. The scheme is designed to ensure orderly and secure operation, with strict adherence to procedures for efficient service delivery.
Civil servants will gain access to the buses by presenting valid staff identity cards along with a matching National Identification Number (NIN) to prevent misuse and ensure that only genuine government workers benefit. Students must wear full school uniforms for access, and personnel from recognized security agencies will also benefit, subject to proper identification.
The bus service will operate on three designated routes: Route One covers Rigachikun, Kawo Kasuwa, Sabo, and Sabo Kasuwa, Kawo, and Rigachikun. Route Two spans Rigachikun Kawo, Independence Way, Yakowa Road, and Yakowa Road Independence Way to Kawo, Rigachikun. Route Three includes Tudun Wada Poly Road and Sokoto Road to Kawo, as well as Kawo, Sokoto Road to Poly Road, and Tudun Wada.
Ibrahim advised commuters to maintain order and avoid rushing or jumping queues while boarding, emphasizing that law and order would be upheld throughout the service operation. It is worth recalling that President Bola Tinubu inaugurated 100 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses during his state visit to Kaduna on June 19, 2025, at the Murtala Mohammed Square.