Iliyasu Abdullahi Bah
In a major effort to ease the burden of transportation on vulnerable residents, the Kaduna State Government has rolled out a free bus transport scheme targeting government workers, retirees, students, and recognised security personnel. The initiative, part of the Kaduna Subsidized Transport Scheme (KSTS), is scheduled to begin on Monday, July 8, 2025, and will run for an initial period of six months.
Speaking at a press briefing in Kaduna, the Director General of the Kaduna State Transport Regulatory Authority (KADSTRA), Engr. Inuwa Ibrahim, said the scheme reflects Governor Uba Sani’s commitment to supporting key segments of the population amid ongoing economic hardship. He described the programme as a timely intervention that will improve mobility for thousands of daily commuters while promoting discipline and order in the state’s public transport system.
Engr. Ibrahim noted that the service will cover students at all educational levels, regardless of whether they attend public or private institutions. To qualify, students must be dressed in complete school uniforms. Civil servants and retirees are expected to present valid government-issued identification along with a corresponding National Identification Number (NIN). Similarly, security personnel must carry official identification to access the service.
According to the KADSTRA boss, the free transport scheme will operate along three designated routes within Kaduna metropolis. The first route runs from Rigachikun through Kawo and Kasuwa, ending at Sabo and then returning. The second route starts again from Rigachikun, passing through Kawo, Independence Way, and Yakowa Road. The third route covers Tudun Wada through Poly Road and Sokoto Road to Kawo, with the return journey following the same path in reverse. All buses will begin full operations on Monday with trained staff and strict compliance measures to ensure a smooth and orderly rollout.
Ibrahim stressed that passengers must board in an organised manner, as any form of rushing or queue jumping will not be tolerated. He also assured the public that security will be present to maintain order at major loading points.
Following the six-month free service, the government plans to implement a 60 percent fare subsidy for the general public. The initiative, he said, is not only aimed at providing immediate relief but also part of a broader effort to institutionalise affordable mass transit systems across Kaduna State.
The announcement follows President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent commissioning of 100 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses at the Murtala Mohammed Square during his June 2025 visit to Kaduna, further signalling the state’s embrace of sustainable and accessible transportation.
Engr. Ibrahim urged all qualified individuals to take advantage of the scheme while advising the public to adhere to laid-down rules to ensure its long-term success. He praised the leadership of Governor Uba Sani for prioritising the needs of workers, students, and pensioners through a policy that he described as both people-oriented and future-focused.
“This is not just a gesture of goodwill; it’s a deliberate policy to make life easier for our people and support economic recovery through increased access to public infrastructure,” he said.