The Kano State Government has finalized plans to commence a multi-million naira BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) in Kano city. This move was initiated to advance the state government's effort to ensure the restoration of its urban areas and sustainable transportation.
As gathered by Naijauto, this is the first time such kind of program will be introduced in the state. And it's said to be a "tip of the iceberg infrastructure project" as the elected administration, led by Governor Ganduje begins its second tenure come May 29.
BRT is a bus-based public transport system that's aimed at providing convenient, accessible and cost-effective transportation services at urban cities. This service is effected by providing dedicated lanes with bus routes, iconic stations lined up at the middle of the road, off-board transport fare collection and consistent operations.
The Kano State government, Zhengzhou Yutong Bus Company, China, Kano Metropolitan Transport Company, and Zhengzhou Public Bus Communication Co.Ltd have already signed an MOU for the provision of 100 buses which will be used for the program.
The BRT buses will be delivered in 100 units
The MOU also requires an incorporated transport solution comprising of routes network, suitable bus models, infrastructure planning, Intelligent Transport System (ITS), regulation improvement, modern management of operation, local talent improvement and maintenance of fleet data analysis systems.
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After the discussion, followed by the signing of the MOU, which took place in far-away Abdullahi Umar Ganduje revealed why his administration made the decision to carry out the project.
The authority is checking the BRT system via CCTV
According to the state governor,
To revolutionize transport and enhance ease of doing business in Nigeria’s foremost commercial center.
Presently, Kano is the most populous state in the country. It has a population of over 16 million people. The main public vehicles are mini buses and tricycles which are not supportive of long – term mega city development, therefore an efficient modern system of public transportation must be established. This will reflect the position of Kano as a truly megacity
Engr Aminu Aliyu Wudil, the State Commissioner for Works, Housing and Transport, stood in for the governor; while explaining that the project will benefit the state in the areas of job creation, air pollution reduction, urban mobility and enhancing the state's physical outlook.
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Here's what Engr Aminu said.
We decided to partner with Zhengzhou Yutong because it is the world’s largest and reputed bus manufacturer with capacity providing Integrated Solution of Public bus transport system and several decades of experience”.
Kano state government is expected to invest not more than 25 percent of the project cost while the operator, Kano Metropolitan Transport Company is the main shareholder while the Chinese company will serve as the technical partner
Kano government will get support from Chinese firm for BRT operation
The government officials who signed the MOU on behalf of the Kano State government include Engr Aminu Aliyu Wudil (State Commissioner of Work), Aminu Mukhtar DanAmu (Ministry of Finance) and Yusuf Aliyu Umar.
For the Chinese companies, Zhengzhou Public Bus Communication Co.Ltd and Zhengzhou Yutong Bus Company, their signatories are Guo Yuanyuan and Mr. Zou Meikan.
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