The National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), has advocated for the establishment of a centralized mega park to enhance road transportation services in Bauchi State.
Mr. Armayau Bala, Chairman of the Jos Road Taxi branch in Bauchi metropolis, said this on Wednesday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
He said that the call was imperative to boost patronage, improve security and foster unity among transport operators.
Bala said that the existing park has been overcrowded making it too small to support efficient operations.
He said that taxis and buses operating from the park were recording low patronage due to the proliferation of parks, touts and other miscreants operating illegal parks in the metropolis.
The chairman said that the trend had made passengers patronize motor parks located on the outskirts of the city.
“Establishing a mega park will enhance security because people and goods entering and leaving the state will pass through one central location with strict security measures.
“Passengers and goods will be screened at the park before departure, business will flourish, and unity within the association will also improve,” he said.
Bala said that transport operators were currently unable to make many trips due to low patronage, a situation that adversely affected their livelihoods.
On passenger welfare, Bala said that the union maintains a passenger manifest that contains travelers essential information, including their names, destinations and next-of-kin details, to facilitate prompt contact in the event of an accident or other emergency.
He lamented that members of the association were not enjoying insurance benefits in the event of an auto crash in spite of payment to insurance companies.
Bala commended the Bauchi state government for providing good roads, and called for the establishment of a centralized mega park. (NAN).
