NAN-H-87
Transport
By Ifeoma Aka
Enugu, Nov. 22, 2016 (NAN) The Enugu State Transport Company (ENTRACO) is to re-launch operations next year to reap from the increasing patronage on its routes.
The General Manager of the company, Mr Bob Itanyi, made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu on Monday.
Itanyi said the company had improved its fleet to meet the demand of its customers.
The manager said the company was currently engaging in franchising, whereby people could use the company’s brand name to operate.
He said that the company would surmount its challenges with the addition of more vehicles to its fleet.
“The patronage is there. I do not agree with the insinuation that people prefer private transport outfits to state transport outfits.
“If you look at the history of mass transit in Nigeria, you will agree with me that the state transit pioneered in mass transit services in Nigeria.
“Entraco is an offshoot of TRACAS (Transport Corporation of Anambra State) and if you go through the history you will agree with me that TRACAS pioneered mass transit.
“When states were created, Anambra had to move, Enugu State had to maintain the transport outfit and now re- branded it Entraco.
“Ever since then, we have been doing a lot in moving our people in both near and far distances,’’ he said.
Itanyi said that the company had resorted to self- help because of the dwindling resources of the government and the cost of borrowing from banks.
The general manager explained that the company’s approach was to procure buses to re-launch operations. (NAN)
IFO/MNA/SN
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Edited by Maureen Atuonwu/Silas Nwoha