Chibuike Amaechi, the minister of transport, has announced a 100% increment in train fare for the Abuja to Kaduna service.
Amaechi, on Saturday, July 18, 2020, told journalists that the fare will double due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Train services are currently shut down as one of the government’s measures to curb the spread of COVID-19.
Amaechi spoke while inspecting construction works on the Ikapke to Warri rail line.
Before the COVID-19 lockdown, travellers paid N3,000 for first-class express trips, while the normal first-class trip was N2,500.
The charge for the economy express trip was N1,500 and economy normal trip: N1,300.
Amaechi’s announcement means that travelers should now prepare to pay double of whatever trip they enjoy.
Giving the reasons for the new changes, Amaechi added, “previously, a coach carried 88 passengers but when we resume the service, a coach will carry just 40 passengers.”
The Minister went ahead to announce that the new “normal would be that passengers must have personal hand sanitizers and wear facemasks at all times during the duration of the train ride.”
Source: Daily Post
