The Ondo State Government has expressed concern over the improper use of bus shelters by taxi operators, warning that such practices hinder public transport services and contribute to traffic congestion.
Segun Odusanya, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, shared these concerns during a familiarization visit by the leadership of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) to his office in Akure.
Odusanya acknowledged the vital role of transportation in the state’s socio-economic development and commended the union for the visit. However, he criticized the lack of uniformity in taxi colors and emphasized that all commercial vehicles in the state must be painted yellow and blue.
Taxis must be painted in these colors, and failure to comply will lead to penalties, Odusanya said. Taxi operators on specific routes are also required to register with NURTW, use red plate numbers, and obtain emblems for identification.
He condemned the practice of taxis parking at bus shelters during peak hours—6:00 am to 8:30 am and 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm—highlighting that it obstructs school shuttle buses and worsens traffic conditions.
Odusanya urged taxi operators to refrain from this behavior and use designated loading points outside approved parks. He also emphasized the need for responsible parking to ensure smooth traffic flow and prevent accidents. Taxi operators were reminded to maintain order and discipline in their dealings with the union.
In response, the State Chairman of NURTW, Comrade Odudu Ademola, expressed appreciation to Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa’s administration for its ongoing support and assured the union’s commitment to working with the Ministry to improve the state’s transportation system.
