OPINION:106 BUSES WITH WORLD CLASS TERMINALS : A ROADMAP FOR ACCELERATED DEVELOPMENT IN OYO STATE
Public transportation is like a magnifying glass that shows the world is a future – oriented.
Governor Seyi Makinde Administration is taking the urban renewal initiative into level where the state will attract tourists and the economy of the state will be improved upon.
Looking at the line of government to transform the transport sector and improve the state’s economy through transportation.
Findings revealed that the buses will be imported directly from the manufacturing company in Turkey.
Specialised made transit bus with front and centre doors, normally with a rear- mounted engine, low back seating with good air conditioned.
The specification of the buses for effective transportation is from Turkey, A nation known for quality production of luxury buses in the world.
The cost of #9.3billion naira for the supply of 106 unit of brand-new buses shows that the state government ensured the luxury bus is directly proportional to number of extra features included in the buses. The cost agreed upon by the state government also has all taxes inclusive.
Global automative giants such as Mercedes-Benz, Otokar, Karsan, MAN, Ford, Fiat, Renault, produce different types of vehicles from Turkey to the world. Transit bus from Turkey is always efficient with good dwell time; field measurements; suitable calculation; and default values.
Findings revealed the purchase cost for higher-end BRT vehicles can range from $230,000 to $370,000,converting the prices to Naira using 381naira to a dollar this will amount to 95 million naira and 140million naira respectively depending on the size and propulsion technology.
Bearing in mind that such spec will include electronic fare cards, off- board fare collection or proof of payment options allow for shorter dwell times.
We need a proper education and patience in Oyo State, if you divide 9.3 billion with 106 transit bus, it will give us 87 million naira per 1 transit bus and checking the price lists of the major big transit buses manufacturers in the world, the likes of:
1. Karsan
2. North America bus industries.
3. Marco Polo(Tata motors)
4. Ashok Leyland
6. Bharat Benz
7. Fiat
From the above calculations, I believe that it is the only the strong negotiation from the present state government that can leads to buying a mass transit bus at 87 million considering the current market value. This has proved to the world again that the current administration in Oyo State is prudent.
No doubt the mass transit system in the state will boost the economy of the state and help in the revamping of the agricultural sector in the state for easier and better movement of agricultural produce.
Meanwhile,the approval given for improvement works at Challenge Roundabout and Felele/Idi-Odo Junction will add value to the capital city.
With the installation of an intelligent transportation system, which includes intelligent traffic signals, traffic signal installation, traffic signs, anti-finger metal security fence and other infrastructural systems with control room and coordination traffic signal devices.
This will serve as a major catalyst for traffic solutions at the Challenge, Felele/Idi-Odo junctions and improve the business activities with the area.
Economic advancement where it will creates jobs for the teeming youths in the state. The terminals which will also has Restaurants estaurants, Shops, Automated Teller Machines (ATM) galleries will also empower the good people of Oyo State.
*Folasade Faniyi writes from Ibadan.*
