In a significant move to ease the burden of transportation costs on residents, the Kaduna State Government on Monday, July 7, officially launched a free bus service for civil servants, retirees, and students under its Subsidized Transport Scheme (KSTS).

Governor Senator Uba Sani flagged off the service at the NDA Bus Stop in Kaduna, where he joined students and top government officials on one of the inaugural rides, symbolizing the administration’s commitment to cushioning the effects of the current economic climate.

The initiative, rolled out through the Kaduna State Transport Authority (KSTA), is designed to provide safe, reliable, and cost-free transport options for key segments of the population. The scheme also aligns with broader efforts by the Uba Sani administration to improve access to essential services amid the ongoing fuel subsidy removal fallout.

The buses are now operating on the following major routes across Kaduna:

1. Rigachikun – Kawo – Kasuwa – Sabo

2. Sabo – Kasuwa – Kawo – Rigachikun

3. Rigachikun – Kawo – Independence Way – Yakowa Road

4. Yakowa Road – Independence Way – Kawo – Rigachikun

5. Tudun Wada – Poly Road – Sokoto Road – Kawo

6. Kawo – Sokoto Road – Poly Road – Tudun Wada

Speaking at the launch, Governor Sani said the scheme is part of a broader social protection strategy to support residents—especially low-income earners and vulnerable groups—through affordable mobility solutions.

“This is more than just about buses,” the governor said. “It’s about dignity, opportunity, and bridging the gap between hardship and hope.”

The governor added that the administration will continue to explore sustainable solutions to public transportation challenges, while expanding the scope of the scheme to reach more areas in the coming months.

The free bus service is expected to significantly reduce commuting costs for workers, retirees, and students, while also decongesting roads and promoting a culture of public transit use across Kaduna metropolis.