**Abia Shuts Down Free Bus Service, Introduces Fare-Paying Service with 50% Discount** The Abia State Government has made a significant change to its free bus service, the Free Green Shuttle, by turning it into a fare-paying service with a 50% discount for commuters. This new development was announced by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, during a briefing at the Government House in Umuahia. As of March 1, 2026, the Free Green Shuttle is no longer free, but commuters can enjoy a 50% discount on fares for all inter- and intra-city routes. This move is aimed at making the service sustainable in the long term and increasing operational efficiency. The introduction of e-ticketing and the Abia Connect Card, which requires the Abia State Social Insurance Number, is now a mandatory requirement for accessing the mass transit scheme. The Abia State Ministry of Transport and other government agencies have been engaging with stakeholders in the transport ecosystem to ensure a smooth transition. To assist commuters, enumerators and touch-and-pay agents have been deployed to various bus shelters and designated areas in Umuahia and Aba. Currently, there are 70 bus shelters in the state, with 30 operational in Umuahia and 40 in Aba, including 3 operational shelters in Aba. The 50% discount on fares is expected to make the service more affordable for commuters, who can now register for the Abia Connect Card and upload funds into their cards at designated bus shelters. With this new development, commuters can look forward to a more efficient and sustainable mass transit system in Abia.