The Ondo State Government is considering an electric bus transport scheme in Akure, with projected monthly commuting costs expected to drop from about ₦9,000 to between ₦5,000 and ₦6,000 per passenger.
The proposed initiative, to be developed by an information technology firm, ADMINSERV, will initially deploy five electric buses, with plans to expand the fleet to 150 if the pilot phase proves successful.
The project will feature a digital booking platform, solar-powered charging stations and security surveillance systems aimed at improving commuters’ safety, reducing waiting times and creating jobs for youths.
The Special Adviser to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on Transport, Olumuyiwa Ogunyemi, disclosed the plan during a meeting with journalists in Akure on Monday.
Ogunyemi said the initiative aligned with the state government’s efforts to reduce transportation costs by encouraging alternative energy sources.
He explained that charging stations would be installed at selected bus stops, with the infrastructure expected to expand as the project develops.
According to him, the facilities would also be accessible to individuals and organisations operating compatible electric vehicles.
The state government is equally exploring compressed natural gas as an alternative to petrol and diesel, with facilities at the Federal University of Technology, Akure, and opposite an NNPC facility in Ore expected to improve access to alternative energy across the state’s three senatorial districts.
Ogunyemi said private investors would finance the infrastructure, while the government would provide an enabling environment and security.
He added that the cost of accessing the facilities would be considered to ensure affordability for users.
The Managing Director of ADMINSERV, Peter Nnmani, said the company selected Ondo as the starting point for the project after considering other locations, including Lagos.
He explained that the initiative was designed to use technology to tackle rising transport expenses, delays, environmental pollution and concerns about passenger security.
The company said its booking application was expected to be ready within two weeks, allowing passengers to access the service digitally.
For commuters without smartphones or those unable to use the application, ADMINSERV plans to introduce a rechargeable transport card known as Cowry.
Under the proposed arrangement, the buses will operate on scheduled routes rather than waiting for additional passengers before departing, a practice the company believes contributes to delays and uncertainty for commuters.
The firm projected that the system could reduce monthly transport expenditure from approximately ₦9,000 to between ₦5,000 and ₦6,000 per user, although the proposed savings are yet to be independently verified.
To address security concerns, the buses are expected to be fitted with closed-circuit television cameras and vehicle-tracking technology. Digital monitoring systems will also be deployed to help operators retrieve passenger journey records when necessary.
The proposed service will operate between 6am and 10pm initially, with the possibility of running round the clock depending on demand.
ADMINSERV also projected that the pilot phase could generate between 40 and 50 jobs for drivers, cleaners and technical personnel.
The company said it was considering opportunities for outstanding graduates in information technology and transport-related disciplines as part of its employment strategy.
It added that the initial fleet of five buses could be expanded to 150, subject to the success of the pilot scheme and market response. The company also hopes to cover at least half of Akure during the initial phase.
The proposed charging stations will rely on solar power supported by battery storage, providing charging facilities for the company’s buses and other compatible electric vehicles.
However, the state government said further discussions with ADMINSERV would be required to resolve outstanding technical, security and implementation issues before the project could proceed.
If implemented as proposed, the scheme would introduce an alternative to petrol-powered public transportation in Akure, with its projected impact on fares, passenger safety and employment expected to depend on the outcome of the pilot phase.