Cash transactions are being phased out on Abia State’s Green Shuttle buses as the state government begins full implementation of the Abia Connect Card, a digital fare payment system aimed at improving efficiency and accountability in public transportation.
The cashless platform, also known as the Abia State Card, is an initiative of the Ministry of Transportation under the administration of Governor Alex Otti. It is designed to modernise daily commuting by eliminating common problems associated with cash payments, including delays, disagreements over change and revenue leakages.
Confirming the rollout, the Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, said the new system represents a key step in the state’s plan to build a transparent and technology-driven transport ecosystem. In a statement released on Sunday through official Ministry of Information channels, he noted that the card allows passengers to pay fares instantly with a single tap when boarding.
The state government disclosed that the first Abia Connect Card is being issued free to residents. Cards can be obtained at approved Green Shuttle terminals and authorised agent locations in Aba and Umuahia. Applicants are required to present their Abia State Social Identification Number (ABSSIN), while residents without one can complete registration via the Abia Pay portal.
After funding the card, subject to a ₦50 top-up charge, commuters are required to tap it on the onboard payment device, with an audible confirmation indicating successful payment. Authorities clarified that the card has no expiry date and that funds loaded onto it remain valid without time limits.
Green Shuttle services cover both inter-city and intra-city routes. Inter-city fares have been fixed at ₦800 for the Aba-Umuahia route and ₦1,000 for Umuahia-Ohafia. Within Aba and Umuahia, buses operate at a flat fare of ₦150 across designated routes.
The government urged residents to take advantage of the ongoing free card distribution, describing the cashless system as a tool for improving transparency and strengthening public confidence in the transport sector.
According to Kanu, the broader objective is to position Abia State’s transport system as a benchmark for innovation and efficiency in Nigeria, while encouraging residents to actively participate in the transition toward smarter and more reliable urban mobility.
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