Tricycle operators can no longer ply major routes in Kaduna State, says Aisha Sa’idu-Bala, Director-General, Kaduna State Transport Regulatory Authority (KADSTRA).
She said the new regime is in line with a transport reform which the state government is implementing.
She said that a Route and Tricycle Licensing System was being introduced to allow buses and tricycles to operate in designated areas of the metropolis.
“This is aimed at regulating and improving transport operations for increased safety, decongestion of traffic and bringing order in transport operations for passengers and operators alike,” she said.
The director-general said that KADSTRA began registration of Keke operations in July and would end in September.
She advised all commercial transport operators to ensure they are duly registered to operate.
However, a cross-section of commercial tricycle operators have voiced concerns that the regulation would further truncate their livelihood.
Mallam Danjuma Isa, a commercial Keke operator, said although he resides at Unguwar Dosa, he operates mainly on the Barnawa-Kasuwa axis and Ahmadu Bello way.
“But with this development, operators will be restricted to their neighborhood meaning, those who reside at Kaduna North can only operate there and same with those who leave at the Southern part of the city.”
Also, Simon Dauda, a commercial Keke operator, said the development would grossly affect his income, adding, “as a father of four, this is my only source of income that caters for my family.”
Dauda said the development would also compound traffic flow as parts of the metropolis would be overcrowded with vehicular movement since Keke operators can no longer ply the major roads.
He said the government should reconsider its decision bearing in mind the imminent implications. (NAN)
