Ibadan Bus Terminal Joint Task Force (IBT-JTF) Bgins Enforcement

…Explain Bus Routes, Removes Road Encumbrances and Charges Motorists on Compliance

From Ogundele Olanrewaju

The Oyo State Joint Task Force on newly commissioned Bus Terminal in Ibadan has given elaborate explanations to the citizens of Oyo State as regards the designated routes and bus stops of the newly commissioned ‘Omituntun’ Bus Rapid Transit with Terminals at Ojoo and Challenge axis of Ibadan metropolis.

Following the commencement of enforcement operations since last week, the IBT-JTF comprising OYRTMA, The SRS (Police), Amotekun Corps, Executive Assistant on Security to the Governor, and other relevant stakeholders, the Executive Chairman of OYRTMA who doubles as Co-Chair of the IBT-JTF, Mogaji Akin Fagbemi Ph.D alongside the E.A Security to the Governor, revealed that the Omititun buses would convey passengers from the Ojoo Terminus to Challenge Terminus and vice-versa on a daily basis.

In his words, “While we commend the Oyo State Government under the progressive leadership of His Excellency the Executive Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde FNSE for the laudable project of providing this luxurious, affordable and accessible transportation means and facilities, it is expedient we intimate members of the motoring public and commuters alike on the modus-operandi, routes and designated bus-stops approved for the Omititun Buses. As you may be aware, His Excellency the Executive Governor has commissioned the Ojoo and Challenge Bus Terminal while that of Iwo-Road and New-Ife Road will soon be completed and commissioned. As at now, the Omititun Buses would take off from the Ojoo terminal and have a stop at University of Ibadan main gate where it can drop and pick passengers then to Sango or Bodija Bus Stop from where it will head to Beere, then Oja’ba to Molete and finally terminate the trip at the Challenge Bus Terminal, Challenge, Ibadan.

Additionally, the Buses would also take off from the Challenge Terminal and follow the same routes aforementioned in reverse order and then terminate the trip at the Ojoo bus-terminal”, Dr. Fagbemi explained.

The OYRTMA Boss further said that the IBT-JTF has begun the clearing of all road encumbrances that could stand athwart the smooth running of the Omititun Buses. “Today, in a concerted and coordinated effort by the IBT-JTF, we have commenced the removal of blockades and encumbrances that could obstruct the free movement of these long buses at the designated bus stops. It is our expectation therefore that the citizens particularly traders and commercial taxi drivers cooperate with us fully to ensure a seamless operation of the buses by desisting to display their wares along the road corridors and designated bus stops. Any defaulter would be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the extant road traffic laws of Oyo State”, Dr. Fagbemi concluded.

Meanwhile, in another development, the Authority explains that all Intra-city taxis (Micra, Tricycles and Motorcycles) and private vehicles are to utilize the newly constructed car park at the defunct MRS-filling station at Challenge while the Inter-State vehicles are to use the newly commissioned Bus Terminal at Challenge, Ibadan.

The Authority added that it has strategically positioned her men and officers at the designated spots across Ibadan metropolis to educate motorists, enforce compliance and arrest defaulters.

The IBT-JTF notes that compliance with this outlined procedures would not only ease traffic congestion in the State Capital, it would also help to boost economic activities, encourage tourist attraction and create jobs for thousands of Oyo State citizens.