Some travellers in Warri, Delta, on Tuesday hailed the Federal Government and the relevant agencies for ensuring availability of fuel during this Christmas season.
The commuters, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Warri, said that fuel availability made transport fares relatively stable.
A Warri-based businessman and a regular traveller, Mr Sunday Voke, told NAN that transport fare from Warri to Yenagoa did not increase this season.
“The cost of transport from Warri to Yenagoa at the moment is N800 which is not different from what I paid before now,’’ he said.
Another commuter, Mrs Anthonia Samson, expressed satisfaction at the stability, saying that in the past, festive periods were characterised by increase in transport fares.
Mr Ben Oloruntobi, also a regular traveller, thanked transporters for not exploiting the season to increase fares arbitrarily.
He said that the stable transport fares would enable more people to travel home and re-unite with their loved ones.
“This season is unique. Many people like to travel and meet their loved ones and also attend functions.
“The economic situation in the country is harsh but people are eager to travel because transport fares are affordable,’’ Oloruntobi told NAN.
A survey by NAN in some major motor parks in Warri revealed that Warri to Lagos by ordinary bus costs N2,000, while Warri to Lagos by an air conditioned bus costs N2,200.
The Goddy Agofure Motors charges N800 for Warri to Asaba and Warri to Bayelsa each, while Warri to Port Harcourt costs N1,500.
An employee of the company, who did not want to mention his name, attributed the stability to availability of fuel.
“Our transport fares remain the same; we did not increase them, ‘’ he said.
However, Osareimen Motors slightly increased its transport fares as Warri to Lagos costs N2,500 as against N2,200 before the yuletide.
The company charges N1,500 and N1,700 for transport to Warri to Ekpoma and Warri to Auchi, respectively, instead of N1,300 and N1,500.
At Aduvie Motors, transport fare from Warri to Ughelli remains N200.
Meanwhile, taxi drivers, motorcyclists and tricycle operators are making brisk businesses following the influx of people into Warri for Christmas celebration.
NAN however, observed slight increases in their charges.
