Kaduna Government Launches Free Bus Service for Civil Servants and Students
In a major boost to public welfare and urban transportation, the Kaduna State Government has announced the commencement of a free bus service for civil servants, students, retirees, and security personnel, beginning Monday, July 7.
The initiative is part of the Kaduna Subsidized Transport Scheme (KSTS), introduced to cushion the effects of rising living costs and to improve daily commuting for targeted groups.
The announcement was made by Engr. Inuwa Ibrahim, Director-General of the Kaduna State Transport Regulatory Authority (KADSTRA), who explained that the programme would begin with six months of entirely free bus rides for qualified individuals.
After this introductory phase, the service will transition into a 60 percent fare subsidy for the general public, ensuring long-term affordability and sustainability.
According to Engr. Ibrahim, the scheme covers all civil servants, retired public employees, students from primary to tertiary institutions, and recognized members of security agencies.
He noted that to access the service, beneficiaries would be required to present valid forms of identification. Civil servants and retirees must provide staff ID cards along with their National Identification Numbers (NIN), while students must wear full school uniforms.
Security personnel will also need to show official ID to be granted access to the buses.
The buses will run along three major routes across Kaduna city. Route One will cover Rigachikun through Kawo to Kasuwa and Sabo, before looping back. Route Two will stretch from Rigachikun to Kawo, continuing through Independence Way to Yakowa Road. Route Three will serve commuters moving from Tudun Wada through Poly Road and Sokoto Road to Kawo and back.
These strategic routes have been selected to capture high-density traffic areas and provide easier access to workplaces, schools, and essential services.
Engr. Ibrahim emphasized that the state government has put in place mechanisms to maintain order and efficiency. Queue management systems will be strictly enforced, and security personnel will be present at major bus stops to ensure safety and prevent misuse of the service. He added that the buses will operate on scheduled timings to maximize reliability and reduce waiting time for commuters.
The scheme reflects the policy direction of Governor Uba Sani, who has made public welfare and infrastructure expansion central themes of his administration.
Speaking on the programme, government officials noted that the free bus initiative is designed not only to ease transportation challenges but also to relieve financial pressure on working families, especially at a time when fuel prices and commuting costs have risen nationwide.
The launch comes just weeks after President Bola Tinubu flagged off the use of 100 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses in Lagos—a development that seems to be inspiring similar investments in public transit across various states. Kaduna’s version, though smaller in scale, is regarded as a proactive step in promoting urban mobility, reducing reliance on private transport, and addressing transport inequality.
The state government is expected to monitor the scheme closely over the first six months and make adjustments based on usage patterns and public feedback. Already, expectations are high among Kaduna residents, particularly among students and low-income workers who see the initiative as a timely intervention.
As the buses prepare to roll out on Monday morning, Kaduna joins a small but growing list of Nigerian states experimenting with targeted transit subsidies.
The hope is that the scheme will not only improve the daily lives of its users but also serve as a model for inclusive and socially responsive urban planning.
