The Enugu State Government has announced plans to restrict the operation of tricycles (Keke), yellow buses, and minibuses from five major highways within Enugu metropolis, marking a major step toward the full implementation of the state’s Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system.

Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Obi Ozor, disclosed this during a consultative meeting with transport unions and stakeholders at the ministry’s headquarters on Monday. He said the affected corridors—including Okpara Avenue–Abakaliki Road–New Haven Junction–Naira Triangle–Emene Airport; Ogui Road–Chime Avenue–Naira Triangle; New Haven Junction–Bisala Road–Rangers Avenue–WAEC–Nkpokiti–Zik’s Avenue; Ogui Road–Presidential Road–WAEC–Nkpokiti; and the entire Agbani Road stretch—will be converted into dedicated BRT routes in line with Governor Peter Mbah’s urban mobility reforms.

According to Dr. Ozor, the decision aligns with the administration’s blueprint to reposition Enugu as a modern, multimodal, and globally competitive city. While tricycles, minibuses, and yellow buses will no longer operate on these major routes, taxis will still be permitted.

He explained that tricycles were not designed for high-speed transit corridors, adding that their presence on such highways endangers lives and slows traffic.

“This reform is not about taking anyone’s job,” he emphasized. “It is about reorganizing the system so BRT buses operate on primary roads, yellow buses serve secondary routes, and tricycles provide last-mile connectivity. Everyone has a place in the value chain.”

The commissioner revealed that the state has procured 200 CNG-powered BRT buses and 4,000 electric taxis, to be assembled locally at ANAMMCO, with the first 1,000 expected within three months. He added that 84 new bus shelters have been built across the city to support the BRT network.

With Enugu’s estimated two million daily commuters, Dr. Ozor noted that the city needs at least 8,000 buses to meet transportation demand. The newly acquired BRT buses, he said, are designed for safety and comfort, featuring padded seats, air-conditioning, WiFi, and digital tracking.

He also disclosed that BRT fares now include a 47% subsidy to cushion costs for residents.

The commissioner announced several resolutions from the stakeholder meeting, including a directive for transport unions interested in operating BRT buses or terminals to submit proposals with viable financial models. He further said the state’s electronic fare system, the Ije Card, will be decentralized to reach five million residents within 90 days.

He assured operators that delays in allocating loading bays at new transport terminals would soon be resolved, adding that unions could access financing to procure buses or participate directly in BRT operations.

Transport union leaders expressed broad support for the reforms.

Chairman of RTEAN in Enugu State, Comrade Chidiebere Aniagu, said the union was aligned with the government’s vision for a safer and more efficient sector, though he urged authorities to consider the concerns of their members.

His NURTW counterpart, Engr. Augustine Agu, commended Governor Mbah’s performance, noting:

“The governor has done in two years what others couldn’t do in eight. We fully support him, but we also want to participate in operating the BRT buses and terminals.”

Representing the Amalgamated Tricycle Riders Association, Comrade Kingsley Edeh highlighted that the state has over 18,000 tricycle operators and urged the government to provide taxis as alternative opportunities for those wishing to transition. He lauded the assurance that no operator would be displaced but rather reorganized into a more structured system.

Dr. Ozor concluded by inaugurating a joint review committee of ministry officials and transport union representatives to finalize operational guidelines ahead of the official launch of the BRT system. The rollout date, he said, will be announced soon.