Intercity bus travel surges by 46.91% in one year — NBS

Intercity bus travel costs surged in August 2023, marking a 56.57 per cent increase from the previous year, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.

The NBS’ Transport Fare Watch report, obtained by our correspondent, indicated that the cost of intercity bus travel soared to N5,918.18 per drop in August, compared to the previous year’s N3,779.96.

The report stated, “the average fare paid by commuters for bus journey intercity per drop declined to N5,918.18 in August 2023, indicating a decrease of 0.02 per cent on a month-on-month basis compared to N5,919.49 in July 2023.”

Furthermore, the report shed light on other crucial aspects of transportation costs.

The report said, “The average fare paid by commuters for bus journeys within the city per drop increased by 0.01 per cent from N1,336.29 in July to N1,336.38 in August 2023.

“On a year-on-year basis, it rose by 121.81% from N602.48 in August 2022.”

According to the report, “In air travel, the average fare paid by air passengers for specified routes single journey increased by 0.30 per cent from N78,775.74 in July 2023 to N79,011.38 in August 2023.

“On a year-on-year basis, the fare rose by 21.48 per cent from N65,041.89 in August 2022.”

Water transport costs exhibited a marginal uptick, reaching N1,406.74 in August 2023 from July’s N1,406.70, indicating a minimal 0.00 per cent increase.

However, on a year-on-year basis, the Bureau noted that the figure reflected a substantial 44.39 per cent rise from N974.26 in August 2022, revealing the persistent inflationary pressures in the water transport sector.

In contrast, the average fare for motorcycle transportation according to the report remained stable at N646.12 in August 2023, aligning with the rate recorded in July.

The report also revealed a 46.91 per cent year-on-year surge from N439.80 in August 2022, highlighting the overall upward trend in motorcycle transportation costs.