Starting from Thursday, December 21, the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) will implement free train services on all its passenger services.
This is coming after President Bola Tinubu approved of 50 percent reduction in interstate bus prices to enable people travel for the Christmas and New Year holidays.
According to a statement issued by the NRC, it would begin free train service for its entire passengers’ services from Thursday, December 21, 2023, to Thursday, January 4, 2024, both days inclusive.
In addition, the statement reads: “Passengers are advised to obtain their free tickets via the online e-ticketing platforms only. Tickets will not be issued at any of the corporation’s train stations. Please note that no commuter will be allowed to board the train without a ticket.
“We enjoin commuters to be orderly, obey security personnel and the laid down boarding instructions of the NRC and those of its officials while at the station and on board the trains. We wish all our esteemed customers a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year in advance.”
Earlier, the Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, disclosed to State House correspondents on Wednesday at the Presidential Villa, that the presidential intervention aims to allow Nigerians to travel to visit loved ones over the holiday season without the burden of high cost of transportation.
“President Tinubu wants Nigerians to be able to travel within Nigeria to wherever they want to go to meet their loved ones without the extra burden of paying exorbitantly for inter-state public transportation,” he said.
Starting Thursday, he said Nigerians can board inter-state buses and minibuses for half the normal fare.