A TRANSPORTATION company, P-GAT Industries Ltd. says 2,000 fuel-powered tricycle riders in Adamawa will benefit up to 50 per cent fuel subsidy under its ‘ATRaS’ programme.
P-GAT President, Prime Timothy, disclosed this at a press briefing on Saturday, in Yola.
Timothy said ATRaS (Affordable Transport Solution) is an initiative designed to reduce transportation costs by lowering operating expenses for riders and improving services for commuters.
“Participating tricycle riders will be eligible for up to 50 per cent fuel subsidy, alongside health and medical support, repair and maintenance assistance.
“Others include welfare benefits, education and career development opportunities, and other benefits within the ATRaS ecosystem,” Timothy said.
He said the intervention would also reduce major operating costs, improve riders’ earning capacity and create conditions for lower transportation fares.
Timothy said the initial phase would cover Numan, Yola and Mubi, adding that the company would recruit up to 500 ATRaS agents.
He said the agents would support rider and customer registration, onboarding, product distribution and community mobilisation across the three locations.
“The agents will serve as links between riders, commuters and the wider ATRaS Mobility Ecosystem as implementation expands.
“Riders do not need electric tricycles to participate, as existing fuel-powered tricycles can serve as entry points into the ecosystem.
“Participating mobility assets will gradually transition from fuel-powered to electric mobility as the ecosystem develops,” he said.
Timothy stated that the transition would enable existing operators to benefit from the programme while preparing for cleaner and more efficient transportation services.
He said addressing transportation costs required tackling fuel and maintenance expenses rather than simply asking operators to reduce fares.
Timothy said the broader objective was to support mobility operators, reduce transportation costs, improve commuter productivity and establish a structured and sustainable transportation system.
According to him, Adamawa is an important starting point for the initiative, and P-GAT plans to expand ATRaS across Northeast Nigeria and other parts.
The P-GAT president said the company would expand the ATRaS model to strategic African markets, including Kenya and South Africa. (NAN)
Marcus bears the light, and he beams it everywhere. He's a good governance and decent society advocate. He's The ICIR Reporter of the Year 2022 and has been the organisation's News Editor since September 2023. Contact him via email @ mfatunmole@icirnigeria.org