Commuters in Imo and Abia states are expressing serious concerns over significant fare increases by transport operators, particularly during the holiday season. With Christmas travel approaching, many passengers are facing not only higher costs but also longer travel times due to numerous military and police checkpoints along major routes in the South-East.
A driver on the Owerri-Aba route reported that a trip that typically takes 40 minutes has now extended to two hours due to these delays. Similarly, another operator on the Owerri-Umuahia route highlighted that road reconstruction by the Federal Government is exacerbating traffic flow issues, especially with increased vehicles during the festive period.
Commuters are also sharing frustrations about alleged extortion by security personnel at checkpoints, with additional costs often passed on to passengers. Fares from Owerri to major destinations like Lagos and Abuja have surged, with transport companies now charging between N23,000 and N25,000 to Lagos, and from N35,000 to N38,000 to Abuja. Local routes are also affected, with fares from Owerri to Port Harcourt rising to between N5,500 and N17,300, and from Owerri to Aba increasing from N2,500 to N3,000.
In Abia, similar fare hikes are reported, attributed to poorly maintained roads undergoing rehabilitation by the state government. Drivers claim that these conditions force them to take longer detours, contributing to delays.
Commuters traveling from Umuahia to Aba are feeling the financial pinch as fares have risen from N1,500 to N2,000 for 45-minute journeys. The impact of higher transportation costs is also affecting the prices of goods and services, leading many to anticipate increased living expenses as traders adjust their prices accordingly.
Residents are worried that high fares may prevent families from traveling to their villages for Christmas, and some are calling for the government to provide subsidized transportation options during the holiday season. Overall, many holiday travelers are frustrated by the situation, as they prepare for their journeys despite the steep costs of travel that are making family trips increasingly difficult.
