The cabs

The Kaduna cabs

By Femi Adi/Kaduna.

Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna on Wednesday launched 200 new KIA and Peugeot brand of cars for intracity the state’s taxi scheme in the state.

Speaking during the official launch of the Taxi scheme at Murtala Square, Governor El-Rufai said it is the duty of the government to provide choice transportation system so that a user can decide which means of transportation is best suited to his needs and pockets at any particular time.

According to him, it is an anomaly that Kaduna as capital city does not have a functioning, organized and regulated taxi service.

While pointing out that all the major cities in Kaduna deserve a decent taxi cab service, he said government wanted to make sure that the taxi cab service will do more than expand choice, in addition to safety, comfort and an enhanced user experience.

El-Rufai who also revealed that the cab scheme is a means of creating jobs and empowering owner-driver, equally said the days where commuters find it difficult to get good taxis to the airport, from hotels, or on major roads are over in Kaduna. “It must be possible for a passenger to commute in conditions of comfort and safety.” He added.

He however expressed hope that many of the young people will find owning and running their own taxi cab a fulfilling business.

Meanwhile he stated clearly that the taxi cab scheme is a business and not an exercise in political patronage. “It is one of the platforms being created to empower the industrious and the hard working among our youth.” he stressed.

However El-Rufai disclosed that aside from the 10% deposit each of the pioneer owner-drivers of the Kaduna Cabs has made, each will pay for the full value of the cars in monthly instalments, with repayments over 36 months.

He therefore urged all participants in the scheme to live up to expectations: to be dutiful in their repayments, abide by the law always, responsibly use the vehicles and to properly serve their customers.