As part of its efforts to modernize public transportation in the state, the Abia State Government has started the full implementation of the Abia Connect Card, a cashless payment system for the Green Shuttle Bus Service. The goal of the program, which is being led by the Ministry of Transportation under Governor Alex Otti's leadership, is to give locals a smooth commute. 

The government characterized the development as a turning point in its efforts to create a digitized, transparent, and effective transportation ecosystem in a statement released on Sunday by Okey Kanu, Commissioner for Information at the Abia Ministry of Information. 

The statement claims that the Abia Connect Card, also called the "Abia State Card," does away with the problems that come with making cash payments, such as delays, disagreements over change, and income leaks.

“We are intentionally moving away from the hassles of cash transactions. With the Abia Connect Card, commuting becomes as simple as a single tap. It is efficient, reliable, and designed to ensure that our public transport system works effectively for everyone,” the statement read.

According to the government, citizens can currently get the first card for free at specific Green Shuttle terminals and authorized agent locations around Aba and Umuahia. 

While those without an ABSSIN can register through the Abia Pay platform, prospective users must produce their ABSSIN in order to obtain the card. Commuters must touch the card on the payment device upon boarding after funding it, subject to a ?50 top-up fee. 

A confirmation sound verifies that the payment was successful. It was mentioned that the Green Shuttle Service runs both intra-city and inter-city routes, the card never expires, and the money deposited onto it is always valid.

According to Kanu, the intercity fares are ?800 for Aba–Umuahia and ?1,000 for Umuahia–Ohafia. On certain routes, city services in Aba and Umuahia are provided for a fixed fee of ?150. 

The state administration said that the move would improve accountability and transparency in the transportation sector and encouraged commuters to take advantage of the ongoing free card distribution.

Source