Ticket racketeering, extortion mar free train ride

…As FG extends free train ride till January 7

President Tinubu’s initiative of free train rides has been marred by technical glitches and allegations of irregularities.

The Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) recently advised passengers to obtain their free tickets exclusively through online e-ticketing platforms, aiming to streamline the process and ensure transparency.

However, the smooth implementation of this directive was disrupted when an official of the NRC was apprehended by security agents on charges of engaging in ticket racketeering.

The arrest took place at the Ebute Metta Train Station in Lagos, just moments after frustrated passengers staged a protest against the alleged malpractice.

The passengers voiced their discontent and called upon the Federal Government to address this menace promptly.

The alleged ticket racketeering not only tarnishes the credibility of the free train rides but also raises concerns about the integrity of the system.

President Tinubu’s efforts to alleviate the financial burden on citizens during the festive season were also evident in his announcement of government rebates on transport fares for interstate road travelers during Christmas and New Year.

These measures were intended to facilitate safe and affordable travel for individuals visiting their loved ones or embarking on vacations.

However, the recent developments surrounding the free train rides have cast a shadow over the success of these initiatives.

He said the federal government will bear 50 percent of the transport fares for interstate road travellers across the country during the festive season, adding that train rides will be absolutely free across the nation beginning from December 21, 2023, to January 4, 2024.

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, held a press conference at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where he provided updates on the implementation of a new transportation initiative.

Alake revealed that the necessary logistics for the project had been meticulously planned in collaboration with the Minister of Transportation, as well as transport unions and owners of luxurious buses.

In response to NRC official ticket racketeering, users on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) expressed their thoughts:

TOC said, “They should come to Kaduna – Abuja Especially on Sunday. They spike the price and leave you stranded. You will need a strong connection to even a ticket at whatever price. Online fully booked, Enter train vacate seats everywhere.”

Adewale Damilare, “This is great. Keep flushing out the bad eggs. We keep blaming the govt whereas some people in their ‘small’ offices are evil.”

According to Goodness and Mercy, “They should also arrest those ones at moniya train station.”

Also, Uche Bakaadi said, “Group racket from CCTV that can monitor activity of concourse to station manager to bad software that allowed multiple purchases of tkts. trust me this incident there r a lot of magic in ticketing in Nigeria from printers to bankers. Many look away from sharp acts in Public.”

Tboggie: “I tell people that the issue with Nigeria is not only the government but the people. From Security, house help, some family members, mechanic, driver, friends, shop sales people. If any of these people can steal from you and get away with it, they will do it without blinking.”

Ayodeji; “When I traveled on Xmas day, one of their officials almost fought me for booking ahead and having the ticket cos he was not able to sell the ticket to me. I met people who were at the mercy of the train officials and bought tickets from their hands.”

Idowu Lawanson, “Too many rogues in all those train stations on the Ibadan-Lagos route, too many, one at Omi adio will collect N500 from those who want to park their cars, take the train to Lagos and come back. No receipt for such payments!”

Abiodun Sukurat: “We must continue to speak up for the betterment of this country. But my grouse with tham is that our laws are meant for the commoners as those stealing billions are walking the streets of Nigeria without been arrested. Equity must prevail’.’

…FG extends free train ride till January 7

In the same vein, the Federal Government of Nigeria has extended the free train ride services for commuters until Sunday, 7th of January, 2024.

The Nigerian Railway Corporation had initially announced the free ride services on Thursday, 21st of December, 2023, following the directive of President Bola Tinubu.

The services were initially scheduled to end on Thursday, 4th of January, 2024. The move by the Federal Government to offer free train rides and a 50 percent waiver on interstate round transport was aimed at easing the burden of the high cost of living in the country, particularly during the festive season.

The extension of the free train ride services is expected to provide relief to commuters who rely on train services for transportation.

The Nigerian Railway Corporation has assured the public of its commitment to providing safe and efficient train services during the festive season and beyond.