By Khadija Kubau
Teachers of Sultan Bello Primary School, Unguwan Sarki, Kaduna, have been sensitised on the Kaduna Bus Rapid Transit (KBRT) Project and its potential implications for the school and surrounding communities.
The engagement, held at the school premises, was part of the project’s ongoing stakeholder consultation process.
The Community and Social Development Specialist of the Project Management Unit (PMU), Dr. Abdulkadir Ja’faar, said the school’s proximity to an existing road and proposed BRT infrastructure necessitated early engagement with its stakeholders.
Dr. Ja’faar described the Kaduna BRT as a major urban transport initiative designed to improve mobility, reduce traffic congestion and provide an efficient, reliable and accessible public transportation system across Kaduna metropolis.
He explained that the buses would operate on dedicated lanes to minimise delays, while electronic ticketing would ensure faster and more convenient fare payments.
According to him, the main BRT corridor will extend to Refinery Junction, with feeder routes connecting surrounding communities.
He added that the system would incorporate accessibility features for persons with disabilities, older persons and passengers with mobility challenges, with each bus designed to accommodate approximately 50 passengers.
Dr. Ja’faar further stated that Intelligent Transport System (ITS) facilities and centralised control-centre monitoring would enhance operational efficiency, passenger safety and security.
The Assistant Head Teacher, Mrs. Zainab Salahudeen, who spoke on behalf of the teachers, sought clarification on whether the BRT service would be free.
In response, Dr. Ja’faar explained that passengers would pay fares through the electronic ticketing system, adding that the rates would be reasonable and affordable.
On the possibility of discounted fares, dedicated buses or reserved seats for pupils, he said the BRT was designed as a public transport service for the general population. However, he noted that student concessions could be explored, with relevant decisions communicated to stakeholders.
Dr. Ja’faar emphasised that the consultation was part of the preliminary engagement process, assuring that further meetings would be held as the project progresses to enable schools and other institutions to raise concerns and make recommendations.
The meeting ended with closing prayers and a group photograph.
Kaduna Connect is a flagship initiative of the Kaduna State Government aimed at providing safe, reliable, affordable and sustainable urban mobility through a modern Bus Rapid Transit system across Kaduna metropolis.
