Osun Mini Bus; Korope ₦500, ₦800, ₦1,200, Other Increases Fares Begin Today
Drivers Says Government Refuses To Implement CNG Initiatives
Reloaded News Desk
Commercial minibus operators, popularly known as Korope, in Osun State have commenced a new fare regime announced following Wednesday’s protest over rising fuel and operating costs.
The new fares take effect today, Thursday, September 24, with passengers on different routes expected to pay between ₦300 and ₦1,200, depending on the distance travelled.
The Association of Korope Drivers had announced the increase after drivers protested in Osogbo against the rising cost of petrol, vehicle maintenance and other operating expenses.
The minimum fare, previously ₦200 per drop on the affected routes, has been increased to ₦300.
Several short routes now attract ₦300, including Ota-Efun–Stadium, Ota-Efun–Testing Ground, Testing Ground–Igbona, Oja-Oba–Olaiya/Old Garage and Ofatedo–Ido-Osun.
The fare rises to ₦500 on routes including Ota-Efun–Old Garage, Old Garage/Ola-Iya–Abere, Testing Ground–Ogo-Oluwa, Dagbolu–Stadium/Testing Ground, Sasa–Okebaale–Oja-Oba, Igbona/Ayetoro–Dada Estate and Old Garage/Olaiya/Okefia–Okinni.
Passengers on longer routes such as Kobo–Old Garage, Ayetoro/Igbona–Abere, Ota-Efun–Oja-Oba and Olaiya/Old Garage/Okefia–Ido-Osun will pay ₦600.
The ₦700 fare applies to Ayetoro/Igbona–Owode-Ede, Dagbolu–Okefia/Old Garage and Old Garage/Olaiya/Okefia–Olobu/Ifon, while Stadium–Owode-Ede has been fixed at ₦800.
The new schedule also places ₦1,000 fares on Ota-Efun–Owode-Ede and Owode-Ede–Bolanle/Dele Yes Sir.
The longest listed route, Kobo–Owode-Ede, now attracts ₦1,200.
The drivers attributed the increase to higher petrol costs, spare parts and other expenses associated with operating commercial minibuses.
During Wednesday’s protest, the operators also demanded greater access to Compressed Natural Gas, CNG, in Osun, arguing that the availability of cheaper alternative fuel could help reduce their operating costs and ease pressure on fares.
They also called for government intervention on CNG infrastructure, vehicle conversion and the handling of transport ticket proceeds.
The new fare structure was announced by the drivers’ association. It is not being presented as a separate fare approval by the Osun State Government.
The increase will now put additional pressure on commuters across Osogbo and surrounding communities, particularly as the Federal Government is pushing states to implement measures aimed at reducing transportation costs from October 1 through CNG and other alternative-energy initiatives.
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