AN indigenous leading tech-powered mobility company, NAIRAXI, has stated that digitizing Nigeria’s public transportation networks may help to offset future repercussions ahead of the scheduled elimination of fuel subsidies in June 2023.
The company’s chief executive officer, Kingsley Eze, explained in a statement that the objective was to ensure a contactless transit card and auto fare collecting technology, research alternative energy, expand proprietary mobile technology, and increase accessibility to mobility as a result.
According to him, the collapse and inefficiency of the urban transit had led to what is known as “the one-man per car syndrome”, which obviously leads to traffic congestion, gridlock, and poor air quality as a result of pollution.
He said that now is the best time to explore programs and initiatives to advance the country’s transport sector.
He said that “the one-man per car syndrome,” which unavoidably causes traffic congestion, gridlock, and bad air quality as a result of pollution, had been caused by the failure and inefficiency of urban transit.
According to him, the best time, to consider projects and programs to enhance the nation’s transportation industry is right now.
Eze said, “Federal employees and economically challenged Nigerians may receive transit passes in amounts approximately equal to their commuting costs but not to exceed the maximum level allowed by law. It is accessed via a seamless transportation payment platform spanning public and private systems.
“The objectives of the NAIRAXI transit subsidy program for private and mass mobility is to encourage Nigerians to use public transportation for commuting to and from work, and other productive engagements.”
Although Eze reiterated that making public transportation attractive to commuters requires the digitalization of the industry, he emphasized the need for technology to scale up the reach and expansion of services.
“Technology can cut through a lot of drawbacks in the public transport like long wait time, inefficient scheduling and payment processes.
“We should be pushing for an intermodal approach in the sense that, shared taxis, buses, rail, ferries and last-mile transit options like “Keke” must be well harnessed,” he said.
Elizabeth Omale, a co-founder of NAIRAXI, outlined how widespread adoption and increased use of the digital transit subsidy program would enhance equity, accessibility, and air quality while lowering greenhouse gas emissions, easing traffic congestion, and conserving energy by reducing the number of single-occupancy vehicles on the road.
According to her, stronger national growth, development, and effects on the lives of the poor masses would result from spending a little fraction to fund the transportation services.
Omale encouraged all people to embrace the NAIRAXI plan.
