In line with his five-point agenda to address the high cost of living faced by residents, the Edo State Government has approved free bus services for the people of the state through the State-owned Edo City Transport Service (ECTS).

The State Governor, Monday Okpebholo approved the free bus services at a function on Monday in Benin City.

A statement by Fred Itua, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor and made available to newsmen in Benin City, said the initiative was part of Governor Okpebholo’s administration’s drive to entrench his policy direction.Governor Okpebholo said the free bus service which covers Benin metropolis and the three Senatorial districts of Edo State (Intra and Inter-city routes), was part of his administration’s commitment to enhance the welfare of all Edo people.

According to him, “the bus services will ease transportation stress. Our people who plan to move around within the Benin metropolis and out will be able to do that without any extra financial burdens.

“Edo Central like Ekpoma, Iruekpen, Irrua, Uromi, and other places are also part of the routes the free transportation services will cover.”

“Edo North is fully captured. Agbede, Auchi, Okpella, Fugar, and other parts of Edo North are covered in the free transportation scheme of this administration”, he said.