Governor Bassey Otu launches the Xmas Free Transport Service in Cross River to ease festive travel for residents and visitors

Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State on Monday in Calabar launched the Xmas Free Transport Service, a seasonal initiative designed to cushion economic hardship and support residents and visitors during the peak festive movement.

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The governor, represented by Deputy Governor Peter Odey, reaffirmed that the programme has become a tradition of the administration.

Odey said the free service, which also operates during Easter, was introduced to reduce transport costs and strengthen unity among communities across the state.

He noted that the initiative aligns with Governor Otu’s People First philosophy and this year’s Carnival Calabar theme, Traces of Time.

The service will run throughout the Calabar Festival, covering major routes within Calabar Municipality and extending to neighbouring towns.

Among the intra-city routes are Watt Market to Scanobo and Watt Market to Atimbo. Inter-local government services will run from Calabar to Ugep, Ikom, Abi, Obudu and Ogoja. A ferry service between Calabar and Creek Town in Odukpani has also been included.

Odey encouraged residents and visitors to take full advantage of the gesture, describing it as a powerful demonstration of the administration’s commitment to public welfare.

He added that the initiative complements the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

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He called on the public to continue supporting the state government as it works to ease economic pressures and promote social inclusion during the festive period.