By Doris Onyekachi
Major transport operators in Onitsha, Anambra State’s commercial hub, have thrown their weight behind the state government’s proposed plan to digitize and standardize motor parks, describing the initiative as a timely step towards modernizing the transport sector.
Speaking in separate interviews, the operators said the proposed reforms would improve efficiency, transparency. and service delivery, pledging their support for government policies aimed at repositioning the transport industry.
Among those who spoke were Mr. Felix Ikejiaku of Onitsha South Mass Transit, Mr. Okeke Ezeudo of Star Sunny Motors, the Depot Manager of Romchi Mass Transit, Mr. Barnabas Itodo, Mr. Jekwu Chukwu and Mr. Onyekachukwu Emena of Ifeanyichukwu Transport.
While expressing support for the digitization initiative, the operators lamented the harsh economic conditions affecting the transport business, identifing the removal of fuel subsidy, rising fuel prices, insecurity, multiple taxation and the activities of transport touts as major factors reducing passenger traffic, night travel, and overall business operations.
Mr. Ikejiaku said the impact on transport operators has been significant.
“Before, we loaded up to 50 buses daily. Today, we load only about 20 buses,” he said, adding that the activities of touts continue to harass operators and discourage passengers.
He, however, expressed optimism that the newly appointed Commissioner for Transport would address the issue of multiple taxation, creating a more conducive operating environment.
Also speaking, Mr. Barnabas Itodo noted that the growing use of online transactions and waybill services has significantly reduced the number of passengers travelling to purchase goods in person.
“Many people now pay to have their goods delivered through waybill services. This has greatly reduced physical patronage of transport operators,” he explained.
He appealed to the government to introduce additional policies that would stimulate growth in the transport sector and improve operators’ livelihoods.
The operators reaffirmed their readiness to embrace the digitization and standardization of motor parks, expressing confidence that the reforms would yield better results if accompanied by measures to address the economic and operational challenges confronting the industry.
Doris Onyekachi is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
