THE BAYELSA STATE GOVT HAS WARNED TRANSPORT OPERATORS AGAINST THE ILLEGAL PRACTICE OF PICKING UP PASSENGERS ALONG ROADS WITHIN THE YENAGOA METROPOLIS, SAYING THE ACT WILL NO LONGER BE TOLERATED.(PHOTO).

 The Bayelsa State Government has warned transport operators against the illegal practice of picking up passengers along roads within the Yenagoa metropolis, saying the act will no longer be tolerated.

The warning was contained in a statement signed by Hon. Ayebaekipreye Brodrick, Commissioner for Transport, who expressed concern that some intra-state and inter-state transport operators have continued to disregard repeated government directives and public sensitization campaigns.

According to the statement, some mini-bus and tricycle operators still load and offload passengers outside the designated Transport Terminal at Igbogene, contrary to existing government regulations.

The Commissioner noted that the practice undermines the Prosperity Administration’s commitment to developing an organised, safe, efficient, and modern transportation system for residents and visitors, adding that it also hampers the growth of the transport sector and conflicts with the state’s urban renewal agenda.

The government, therefore, directed all inter-state and intra-state transport vehicles to load passengers only at the Ekeki Motor Park and the Igbogene Transport Terminal.

It also stated that mini-buses and tricycles, popularly known as Keke, must terminate all operations at the Igbogene Transport Terminal and are only permitted to operate within Bayelsa State.

The statement warned that any transport operator or transport union found violating the directives would be sanctioned in accordance with the law, noting that relevant enforcement agencies have been mandated to ensure strict compliance.

The Bayelsa State Government appealed to transport operators and members of the public to cooperate with its efforts to build a safer, more efficient, and modern transportation system across the state.