The Rigasa Train Station in Kaduna recorded a low turnout of passengers on Tuesday as the Abuja-Kaduna train service resumed operations nine months after its suspension.

The resumption of service on the route came 251 days after President Muhammadu Buhari’s regime announced its suspension following a terrorist attack on a passenger train in Kaduna on March 28.

At the resumption of service on Monday, passengers using the 24-seater coaches were charged N9,000, up from N7,000.

Passengers using the 56-seater and 68-seater coaches now pay N6,500, up from N5,000. Passengers in the 88-seater coaches paid N3,600, up from N2,600 and N3,000, depending on the time of the trip.

Minors were charged N3,000, up from N1,500.

Despite the increase, Mr Abdullah said he preferred to use the train.

Mr Gabriel Bala commended the regime for heightened security at the train station.

“People would hardly forget the March terrorists attack, but with the presence of security operatives, I am sure business will resume fully,’’ he said.

Haruna Abdullahi, who operates a grocery at the station, noted that businesses around the premises were gradually picking up.

“Since commuters have started coming to the station, we will make sales. I am sure that full business would resume in no distant time, especially with end-of-year movements fast approaching,’’ he said. 

(NAN)