Following  the recent ban on  commercial motor cycle popularly known as ‘Okada’ or ‘Alalok’ in Efik language in Cross River State, the management of Remlords, a transportation company, has floated another transport scheme service, Canaan Cabs in the state.

Before the state government’s ban on commercial motor cycle operation, it had been the only means of transportation within the state capital with some of the operators constituting nuisance.

Commissioning the Canaan Cabs in Calabar, Mr. Gabe Okulaja, special adviser to Governor Liyel Imoke on public transportation, described the occasion as epoch-making that signalled “the irrevocable entrenchment of ultra-modern city taxi services not only in Calabar Metropolis, but across the landscape of Cross River State.”

Mr. Okulaja disclosed that when the Imoke-led administration came on board, it made modern mass transit services a priority, stressing that with the establishment of department of public transportation, there have been remarkable reform initiatives in the transport sector that has restored sanity in the system.

He commended the promoters of Canaan Cabs for their support in the realisation of government’s goal to provide taxi services in the city  and its attendant employment creation in the state.

He noted  that when government advertised for expressions of interest for franchise to operate taxi services within the state, Canaan Cabs was one of the firms that expressed preparedness to provide social cum economic service. 

In his welcome address, Pastor Nkereuwem Onung, chairman and chief executive of both Remlords and Canaan Cabs said the event was on evidence of private sector contribution to enhance transport scheme in the state.

 He noted  that the scheme was not limited to the state alone, saying that  the services would be extended to other parts of the country with the state as its main base.

Pastor Onung commended Governor Imoke for creating the enabling environment and establishing the department of public transportation that coordinates the transport scheme in the state.

In an interview, Mr. Kanu Etekpi, manager of Canaan Cabs explained that the company will before December flood the state capital with over 150 taxi cabs to ensure a smooth transportation operation.

Etekpi explained that currently 50 taxi  cabs had started plying different routes in Calabar and that the company had embarked on training its drivers to ensure that they meet the international standard, while the drivers also wear the same uniform, with each cab having  first aid kits.

The company, according to him, will soon establish passengers’ insurance scheme for the welfare of passengers, adding that “the core values of Canaan Cabs are prompt, efficient and quality services, culture of excellence, integrity and professionalism, as well as commitment to customers’ satisfaction.”

Friday Nwagbara, Calabar