From Adamu Yusuf (Kaduna)
Passengers of Kaduna/Abuja train services have called on Federal Government to immediately investigate the increase in train fares.
Speaking to Radio Nigeria this Wednesday morning, they also called on the committee on transportation at the National Assembly to invite Minister of Transportation, Mr. Rotimi Ameachi to explain the exorbitant charges to Nigerians.
They lamented that due to COVID-19 pandemic, the protocol was for a passenger to pay for two seats for social distancing which was double price but it’s unfair to pay the same price when Covid 19 protocol was not observed.
“Before the COVID-19 pandemic, train fees for economic is N1,500 for 6:40am and 6:00pm while those traveling between 10:45am and 2:20pm pay N1,350. Those on business class pay between N5,000 to N6,000 depending on the timing”.
One of the passengers from Kaduna to Abuja, Mr Friday Godwin challenged one of the officials that it’s unfair to charge the same price of N3,000.
He stressed that train services worldwide was the cheapest form of transportation but in Nigeria the reverse is the case.
The Passengers further advised Federal Government to immediately intervene to reduce the hardship on them.
Our correspondent observed that most of the passengers did not wear their facemasks.