Bus Operators Want Accident-Free Festivity

Barely a few days to Christmas, the Luxury Bus Proprietors Association, Mararaba branch, near Abuja, has called on motorists and passengers to exercise caution on the roads to ensure an accident-free festivity.

Mr Raphael Ozoemena, the Chairman of the branch, told newsmen on Tuesday that the “motorists should be extra careful on the roads this Christmas season to ensure an accident free celebration.

“They should be mindful of the road traffic signs and make sure that they comply with them accordingly.”

The chairman also appealed to commercial drivers to be friendly with their passengers and cooperate with the police, soldiers, FRSC officials, VIOs and other road safety officials on the highways.

“They should equally be mindful of the dilapidated nature of our highways; the safety and comfort of the passengers should be paramount in their minds.”

Ozoemena further advised the motorists, especially commercial vehicle operators, to always share information on the state of roads ahead of them.

He gave assurance that buses operated by the association were road worthy, noting that “we do not put any bus that is not fully road worthy on any highway.

“Our mechanics carry out routine checks on our vehicles on a daily basis to make sure that they are in sound condition for the long journeys.”

In a separate interview, the association’s General Secretary and Public Relations Officer, Prince Oluchukwu Chukwuji, said the bus operators “always counsel the drivers on the importance of complying strictly with the road safety provisions.

“We know that it is God that protects people; so we always want them to be mindful of the fact that they also have families and relations back home to cater for.

“Therefore, they should drive safely to return alive and safe to meet members of their families and other relatives who are equally eager to see them back home safely.”

On the anticipated upsurge in the number of passengers travelling for the Christmas celebrations, Chukwuji said that the operators were equal to the task.

“There are enough vehicles to transport them to their various destinations safely.

“We are not going to increase our fares just because of the Christmas rush; neither shall we increase the fares after the Yuletide unless the government increases the price of diesel, which we don’t pray for.”