Increased fare, no night travels – Abuja-Kaduna rail resumes with new conditions
The Abuja-Kaduna train service resumed on Monday after eight months of suspension caused by terrorist attack.
A train was attacked in March by terrorist who killed at least seven people and kidnapped dozen others. This led to an immediate suspension of operations on the route.
Speaking to journalist in Kaduna while inspecting the train station, Minister of Transportation, Mu’azu Sambo, on Sunday said there would be an increase in the rail service fare as a result of the economic situation in the country.
According to the minister, the number of trips per day will also be reduced, adding that there will be no night travelling.
He said, “The number of trips will be reduced. Naturally, you should expect that a certain number of passengers will not be comfortable boarding the train for obvious reasons.”
He further stated that the number of trips per day would increase as the travelling population increased.
“We are human beings, we are bound to feel a little bit uncomfortable until we can see that every security measure has been put in place. So, we will reduce the number of trips and as the travelling population picks up, we will increase the number of trips but we will certainly not travel at night for now.
“Please, expect an increase in fares. I am having final consultation with the management of the Nigerian Railway Corporation and the management of the ministry to see whether it will be immediate or we will take a little time.
“We all know that prices of things have gone up, even airfares have gone up and we have not heard anybody cry about it. Why is it that it’s only when it is train fares that people are reactive? I can assure you that the poor masses will be taken care of and considered because we are a very sensitive government.”
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