Governor Uba Sani has said his administration set aside N30 billion as counterpart funding for the implementation of the Kaduna Bus Rapid Transit (KBRT).

Describing the project as historic, the governor said that it was a collaborative project between Kaduna State and Agence Française de Développement (AFD), adding that ‘’it is the first of its kind in northern Nigeria and the second overall, after Lagos.’’

The governor who disclosed this at the 7th National Transport Conference, further said that ‘’the KBRT will feature a dedicated 24km corridor stretching from Rigachikun to Sabon Tasha.’’

In a keynote address, he noted that “120 articulated buses will run on CNG—cutting carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions by 38 % and saving commuters N1.8 billion annually in fuel costs.

“We are creating 3,200 direct jobs (drivers, station agents, maintenance engineers) and 11,000 indirect jobs (ICT, security, cleaning, small-scale trade), and many more,’’ he added.

Mr Sani also said that the proposed Kaduna Light Rail Project would further modernize Kaduna’s transport network, adding that the project had reached an advanced stage.

‘’Phase 1 will reinstate the Old rail gauge Rigachikun to Sabon Tasha corridor; Phase 2 will link Millennium City to Rigasa existing Abuja – Kaduna rail, tying seamlessly into 50km approximately,’’ he stated.

According to him, his administration has launched the Kaduna Subsidized Transport Scheme, recalling that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu commissioned the 100-brand new CNG/Hybrid buses in June.

‘’The aim is to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal and reduce the burden on our citizens. At the commissioning, I granted a six-month free ride for students, workers, and retirees—a benefit they continue to enjoy today, saving commuters more than N500 million from July, 7th 2025 when we started till date.

‘’To enhance the operational efficiency, safety and security of both commuters and the KSTS buses, we are currently constructing over 200 bus stops across the state as part of the first phase of this initiative. Subsequently, the second and third phases will follow soon to ensure comprehensive coverage,’’ he added.

The governor recalled that he performed the groundbreaking of the Modern Interstate Bus Terminal located at Kakuri, Kaduna South Local Government, in March, describing the facility as “one of Nigeria’s premier bus terminals.’’

“The project consolidates all illegal motor parks along the state’s southern corridor into a single, modern hub. By bringing operators under one roof, the terminal boosts internally-generated revenue, enforces full regulatory control, and creates thousands of direct and indirect jobs—delivering a safer, cleaner, and more efficient transport system for every citizen. The project is 75% completed,’’ he said.

Mr Sani also said that the old Kawo Motor Park would be relocated to the Sobawa Motor Park when completed, adding that it would “improve safety and accessibility, and decongesting the city motor parks.’’

According to him, the Kaduna State Government is constructing a world-class Motor Park at Millennium City at the Eastern By Pass.

Mr Sani recalled that the Federal Government graciously continued work on the abandoned Eastern By Pass road project in Kaduna State.

‘’We therefore seized the opportunity to integrate a state of the art transport terminal into the corridor. This project is a key component of our sustainable urban renewal efforts, aimed at improving accessibility within the state,’’ he added.

The governor said that Kaduna State Government, in collaboration with some private investors, was currently at advance staged of upgrading and digitalizing the two Trailer Parks at Tafa and Maraban Jos.

“Each park is designed to accommodate 500 trucks; Tafa is 60% completed, while Maraban Jos is at 30% level of completion. This collaboration presents a valuable opportunity to address several key issues related to revenue generation, eliminating accidents caused by parking outside designated areas, enhancing safety and security, easing traffic congestion, creating jobs, and improving overall efficiency for truck drivers and conducive environment for transport operators,’’ he added.

He disclosed that the operations of Kaduna Line which runs a franchise mode of transportation, had been made more efficient as part of government’s efforts at revitalizing it.

“We carried out an assessment of its operations and unearthed the key challenges hampering its activities. Part of its handicaps was a debt of over N70 million which my predecessors owed to investors, which resulted in the removal of franchise vehicles and degradation of the company’s activities. We have been able to overcome these challenges by introducing the E-ticketing system (digitization), staff training, new advanced tactical operational modalities and harmonization of illegal motor parks,’’ he said.

According to the governor, his government has “successfully cleared this debt, creating additional route to enhance operational efficiency and reviving the mutual collaboration with other sister mass transits to ensure that our partners are supported in their businesses and operations for the successful growth of Kaduna Line.’’