THE Abia State Government has launched a full cashless payment system for its Green Shuttle Bus Service with the introduction of the Abia Connect Card, marking a significant step toward modernising public transportation in the state.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Transportation under the administration of Alex Otti, is designed to simplify commuting and improve efficiency across the transport network.
In a statement released yesterday by the Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, the government described the rollout as a major milestone in its efforts to build a transparent, digital-driven transport system.
According to the statement, the Abia Connect Card—also referred to as the Abia State Card—removes common challenges linked to cash transactions, such as delays, disputes over change, and revenue leakages.
The government emphasised that the tap-and-go system is intended to make commuting faster, more reliable, and user-friendly for residents.
The first card is being distributed free of charge and can be obtained at designated Green Shuttle terminals and authorised agent locations in Aba and Umuahia.
Residents are required to present their ABSSIN to receive the card, while those without the identification number can register through the Abia Pay portal.
After activating the card with a ₦50 top-up, commuters are expected to tap it on the payment device when boarding the bus.
A confirmation sound signals successful payment. Authorities noted that the card does not expire, and funds loaded onto it remain valid indefinitely.
The Green Shuttle Service operates both inter-city and intra-city routes. Inter-city fares include ₦800 for the Aba–Umuahia route and ₦1,000 for Umuahia–Ohafia, while trips within Aba and Umuahia attract a flat rate of ₦150 on designated routes.
The state government urged residents to take advantage of the ongoing free card distribution, stressing that the initiative would strengthen accountability and transparency in the transport sector while positioning Abia’s transport system as a model of innovation and efficiency in Nigeria.
