UNIBEN shuttle service increases transport fare

The University of Benin (UNIBEN) Students Shuttle Service Committee has increased the transport fare on campus and other routes in Benin, the Edo State capital, effective July 1, 2024.

The committee said the decision was part of strategies to beat the high cost of operation, following the increase in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), fondly called petrol, due to the removal of subsidy.

The secretaries of the committee, Collins Obhiozele and James Olawale, in a statement on Saturday, June 29, said cab fare would now be N200 from N150.

The committee noted that shuttle fare across Ugbowo and Ekehuan campuses would attract N100, while transportation between the university and New Benin market and King Square would cost N300 and N250, respectively.

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Under the new pricing, boarding a cab by an individual on UNIBEN campus will cost N400.

The committee sued for strict compliance by the students and enjoined them to look out for deviants and report them appropriately.

The committee stated that it would issue warnings and establish an enforcement team to address drivers’ refusal to ply certain destinations and check unauthorised fare hikes.

It also commended the students for their understanding and cooperation on the power outage in the university, assuring that steps had been taken to address the challenge.

It added: “While this compromise did not meet the driver’s demands, we successfully negotiated a balance between their needs and those of the students, who are also facing challenges.

“We addressed drivers’ refusal to visit certain destinations and authorised fare increases.

“And the shuttle service committee has assured us that they will issue warnings and establish an enforcement team to ensure compliance.”

The Star