As part of efforts to further boost the transportation sector as well as create more jobs, Ondo State governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has launched the Sunshine Travels mass transit buses.
The scheme is a Public-Private Partnership between the Ondo State Government and Peace Mass Transit.
Sunshine Travels, according to a statement issued by Olabode R Olatunde, Special Assistant to the Governor (New Media) is another successful testimony of the investment drive of the Akeredolu’s administration to open up the state for various investments opportunities.
Flagging off the Busses at the Bus Terminus in Akure, on Saturday, Akeredolu said the state government had to look for other ways of achieving the goal of a ‘state carrier’ having seen how the defunct Owena Mass Transit, which the state Government floated in the past, failed as it became unsustainable for the government to run.
Akeredolu, who said transportation remains one of the potent means of conveying both human and material resources from one place to another for productive means, stressed that it is the driver of the economy.
According to the Governor, the new transport scheme has provided employment opportunities for the people of the state, as over Ninety-Five per cent of the drivers employed are indigenes of the state.
The governor also informed that the new scheme is a driver/Owner initiative, in which the bus drivers could be the owners of the buses after paying in installments for a few years.
Akeredolu, who said his administration has facilitated a new transport system, explained that the facilities at the bus terminus included a good accommodation where passengers who journeyed into the state late in the night and wish to spend the night in Akure before proceeding could sleep.
The Governor said: “When the management of Peace Mass Transit approached us to collaborate in the establishment of the project, we did not hesitate in partnering them because we know the economic and social benefit of this project to our state regarding a lease of transportation, job opportunities, enhanced IGR, cultural integration, export of our produce to other placed and the projection of our state brand
“The Ondo State Sunshine Travels will provide state-of-the-art vehicles for inter and intra-state travels for our people. These buses will guarantee vehicular safety and comfort for the people of the state at affordable prices
“It will also facilitate access to other parts of the state, the country at large, and greatly boost economic activities endeavours and cultural integration
“This scheme will provide job opportunities for our people as we have seen now. The personnel and staff of the Ondo State Sunshine Travels are primarily Ondo State indigenes. This will also contribute to our IGR.”
The governor said his administration recognises the needs of the people of the state and it is working tirelessly to ensure that everyone enjoys adequate social amenities that will ensure better standard of living.
