NEW TRANSPORT SCHEME LAUNCHED IN BAYELSA STATE

 NEW TRANSPORT SCHEME LAUNCHED IN BAYELSA STATE 
 The new Bayelsa State transport scheme, tagged, “Restoration Cab” has been launched by Governor Seriake Dickson. 
The launch of the scheme came on the heels of the ban on commercial motorcycles, popularly known as Okada in the state capital, Yenagoa.
 Speaking at the launch of the taxi cabs and tri-wheel vehicles, Governor Dickson said the vehicles were procured for the initial take off of the scheme. The Governor noted that just as his administration was working hard to develop the basic infrastructure of the state, it was imperative to provide world class transport system alongside the proposed deep sea ports and airports. 
The state Chief Executive who described the new transport system as a pilot scheme, disclosed that government spent over 600 million naira including insurance and warned beneficiaries not to convert the vehicles for private use. 
According to Governor Dickson, the cabs are intended to serve as a source of empowerment for the people as well as expand the economy of the state. He announced that buses would soon be procured to add to the fleet of the scheme, and remarked that in the course of expanding the major roads, provision for bus stops would be made. He urged beneficiaries of the scheme to be worthy ambassadors of the state as they are likely to be the first point of contact for visitors to the state as well as assist in the maintenance of security by alerting the security agents on any suspicious movements. 
The Governor also appealed to commuters to exercise some patience considering the fact that they may experience some inconvenience as the new transport system comes on board, noting that the development was in their own interest. 
In her address, the commissioner for Transport, Mrs. Marie Ebikake, explained that government has procured 100 tri-wheel vehicles and 200 air-conditioned vehicles for the first phase of the scheme. Mrs. Ebikake noted that the taxi cabs have been allocated to well trained drivers in line with the guidelines of the ministry whose identities were guaranteed by credible politicians, civil servants and traditional rulers. She said government was negotiating with reputable companies for the purchase of buses to further ease road transportation in the state.
   Daniel Iworiso-Markson
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor