Enugu BRT restrictions will limit tricycles and buses on key roads as state government rolls out modern Bus Rapid Transit network

The Enugu State Government on Monday announced plans to restrict the operation of tricycles, yellow buses, and minibuses on five major roads across Enugu city to make way for the full implementation of its Bus Rapid Transit system.

Also read: Sola Allyson Explains Her Spiritual Journey From Islam to Christianity

The decision was disclosed by the Commissioner for Transport, Dr Obi Ozor, during a consultative meeting with transport unions and stakeholders at the ministry’s headquarters.

Dr Ozor listed the affected corridors as Okpara Avenue–Abakaliki Road–New Haven Junction–Naira Triangle–Emene Airport; Ogui Road–Chime Avenue–Naira Triangle; New Haven Junction–Bisala Road–Rangers Avenue–WAEC–Nkpokiti–Zik’s Avenue; Ogui Road–Presidential Road–WAEC–Nkpokiti; and the entire Agbani Road stretch.

“The presence of tricycles on primary highways disrupts traffic flow and endangers lives. This reform is not about taking jobs but reorganising the system so that BRT buses operate on main roads, yellow buses on secondary routes, and tricycles handle last-mile connectivity,” Dr Ozor said.

The government has procured 200 CNG-powered BRT buses and plans to assemble 4,000 electric taxis locally at ANAMMCO in Enugu, with the first 1,000 taxis ready within three months.

Dr Ozor added that 84 new bus shelters have been built to form the backbone of a modern transit network prioritising safety, comfort, and affordability.

Each BRT bus is equipped with padded seats, functional air-conditioning, WiFi, and safety monitoring through a central command centre.

Passengers will not stand on the buses, and fares now come with a 47 per cent discount to ease commuting costs.

Transport unions interested in participating in BRT bus or terminal operations are required to submit proposals for government evaluation.

The state’s Ije Card, an electronic fare payment system, will be decentralised to reach five million residents within 90 days.

Union leaders expressed support for the transport transformation plan.

Comrade Chidiebere Aniagu, Enugu State Chairman of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria, said the reforms would create a safer and more efficient transportation ecosystem.

Mr Augustine Agu of the National Union of Road Transport Workers praised Governor Peter Mbah’s achievements, urging the government to consider union members for BRT operations.

Comrade Kingsley Edeh of the Amalgamated Tricycle Riders Association highlighted that 18,000 Keke riders in the state would have alternatives and welcomed assurances that no one would be displaced.

Also read: FA Cup Draw Sets Up Exciting Premier League Clashes

Dr Ozor inaugurated a joint review committee of ministry officials and transport union representatives to finalise operational details ahead of the full BRT rollout, with the official launch date to be announced soon.