ABIA GOVERNMENT INTRODUCES CASHLESS PAYMENT SYSTEM FOR GREEN SHUTTLE BUS SERVICES

The Abia State Government has commenced the full rollout of the Abia Connect Card, a new cashless payment platform designed for the Green Shuttle Bus Service as part of ongoing efforts to modernise public transportation across the state.

The initiative, introduced under the administration of Governor Alex Chioma Otti, aims to provide a more efficient, secure, and seamless commuting system for residents. According to government officials, the digital payment system eliminates many of the challenges associated with traditional cash payments, including delays during boarding, disputes over change, and revenue leakages.

Authorities said the Abia Connect Card—also referred to as the “Abia State Card”—allows commuters to pay for their bus rides using a simple tap system when boarding the Green Shuttle buses. The government noted that the technology is expected to significantly improve service efficiency while ensuring better revenue accountability within the public transportation network.

FREE CARD FOR FIRST-TIME USERS

Under the rollout plan, the first Abia Connect Card will be issued free of charge to citizens who wish to use the Green Shuttle bus services. Residents can obtain the cards at designated terminals and authorised agent locations across the state’s major urban centres, including Aba and Umuahia.

In Aba, the designated distribution routes include the Osisioma to Park route with collection points at Osisioma Junction, Zonal Board Bus Stop, Bata Bus Stop, and Park. Other routes include Opopo Junction to Park, Park to Flyover Junction, and Flyover Junction to Osisioma, with multiple stops established to make the cards easily accessible to commuters.

Similarly, in Umuahia, residents can collect their cards along several major transport corridors, including Ubakala to Isigate, Isigate to Tower, Isigate to the Secretariat at the JAC Building, and Isigate to Ohafia. Officials said the distribution points were carefully selected to ensure wide accessibility for commuters who rely on the Green Shuttle service.

ABSSIN REQUIRED FOR REGISTRATION

Prospective users are required to present their ABSSIN (Abia State Social Identification Number) to obtain the card. Residents who do not yet have the identification number can independently generate it through the official Abia Pay platform by completing an online registration process.

After receiving the card, commuters are expected to fund it before use. Government officials explained that a minimal ₦50 top-up charge will apply when loading funds onto the card. Once funded, passengers will simply tap the card on the payment device installed inside the buses when boarding.

TRANSPORT MODERNISATION DRIVE

The rollout forms part of broader transport and digital governance reforms introduced by the Otti administration since assuming office. Officials say the cashless system will not only enhance commuter convenience but also help the government improve operational efficiency, monitor passenger traffic, and reduce financial leakages in the public transport system.

Authorities added that the digital payment platform aligns with the state’s wider vision of building a technology-driven economy and improving public service delivery across key sectors.

With the introduction of the Abia Connect Card, the state government believes the Green Shuttle Bus Service will become more reliable, transparent, and commuter-friendly, marking another step in its ongoing efforts to transform urban mobility for residents across Abia State.