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FG announces 100% increase in train fare, gives reasons

Published

4 years ago

July 19, 2020

The Minister of Transport, Chibuike Amaechi has announced a 100% increment in train fare for the Abuja to Kaduna service.

Amaechi, on Saturday told reporters that the fair will double due to the COVID-19 pandemic..

Train services are currently shut down as one of the government’s measures to curb the spread of COVID-19.

Amaechi spoke while inspecting construction works on the Ikapke to Warri rail line.

Before the COVID-19 lockdown, travellers paid N3,000 for first class express trips, while normal first-class trip was N2,500.

The charge for economy express trip was N1,500 and economy normal trip: N1,300.

Amaechi’s announcement means that travellers should now prepare to pay double of whatever trip they enjoy.

Giving the reasons for the new changes, Amaechi added, “previously, a coach carried 88 passengers but when we resume the service, a coach will carry just 40 passengers.”

The Minister went ahead to announce that the new “normal would be that passengers must have personal hand sanitizers and wear facemasks at all times during the duration of the train ride.”