Maiduguri Commuters Applaud Introduction of Electric Taxis, Call for Female Drivers
The introduction of electric taxis in Maiduguri has been met with enthusiasm by commuters, who have praised the initiative and advocated for the employment of female drivers to operate some of the vehicles.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the Borno Government recently acquired and deployed 50 electric cars and 57 mass transit buses in a bid to reduce transportation costs in the state. The vehicles were officially launched by President Bola Tinubu on December 11 in Maiduguri.
Passengers using the electric taxis are charged N100 per trip, while government-subsidized buses charge N50 per person. This pricing strategy has been well-received by commuters, who appreciate the convenience and affordability of the electric vehicles.
A resident named Amina Audu expressed her satisfaction with the electric taxis and suggested that the government deploy more of them while also employing female drivers for some of the cabs. She highlighted the excitement among women passengers, who often take selfies during their rides.
Another passenger, Ibrahim Khalifa, praised the convenience and cost-effectiveness of the electric vehicles, noting that they accommodate four passengers and are priced at N100 per person. He mentioned that some passengers, eager to reach their destinations quickly, willingly pay more for individual rides.
Khalifa advised the Borno Express Corporation, which manages the electric vehicles, to prioritize the maintenance of the fleet to ensure their continued efficiency.
Ibrahim Grema, a driver of one of the electric cars, revealed that it takes about one and a half hours to fully charge the car’s battery, which then allows for 12 hours of operation. He expressed satisfaction with the performance of the vehicles and the level of patronage they have received since their introduction.
Two other drivers, Umar Mohammad and Mohammed Kachalla, urged the Borno Express Corporation to install more charging points for the electric vehicles, as the current infrastructure consists of only two charging stations.
Source: NAN
