Transport Fares: "Changes Took us by Surprise" — Adewale Alabi, Zik Hall’s SRC Majority Leader

By Sailor

The students of University of Ibadan had a rude awakening on Friday the 3rd of March 2023, when a broadcast was circulated around every school platform announcing the changes and increase in the price of transportation fares in and around the school premises, in anticipation of the upcoming semester.

The announcement was made in a statement which reads as follows, “in view of the apparent economic downturn occasioned by the 100% increase in pump price of petrol, it has become expedient for intra campus transport fares to be reviewed upward to ease the financial strain on operators and at the same time not to overburden the commuters. Therefore the intra campus transport committee deliberated on a new rate at its meeting held on Friday 27th February 2023.”

Although some halls were not affected by changes in new rates as their normal fares were maintained, other halls were not so lucky in this instance. The new rates saw increase in prices of some intra campus destinations, among the destinations affected is Zik hall, with the price of transportation from the main gate to Zik hall increasing from 50 naira to 100 naira which is equivalent to the price of other halls that have farther routes such as Awo and Idia hall.

The change in the fare prices has elicited some complaints from students especially zikites who are of the opinion that the new prices is unfair, considering their routes and how closer it is compared to other routes, this has led to the matter being tabled at the floor of the SRC for further deliberation. In a chat with Hon. Adewale Alabi, a representative of Zik hall’s Majority leader at the SRC, he expressed shock at the increase in the price of transportation fares, stating that the increase took them by surprise and they are making necessary movement and adjustment to tackle the situation.

He stated that the prices for zikite considering the route is too excessive compared to other routes, and he promised that actions are being taken to regulate the price. He also talked about a change in the ‘drop’ price which will now be going for 150 naira with two passengers instead of one. He further stated that a statement will be released soon on the resolution reached between the house and the management.

It is understandable that the economic situation of things in the country have taken a turn for the worse in recent months, but with recent increase in fuel prices and others one can only hope that things don’t get worse from here on.