Following a detailed report by ThePage Nigeria highlighting the sudden and steep hike in inter-state transport fares across Oyo State, the Chairman of the Park Management System (PMS), Alhaji Tomiwa Omolewa, popularly known as Tommy, has officially addressed the issue, assuring the public of immediate interventions to ease the burden on commuters.
ThePage had earlier reported widespread frustrations among travelers, particularly students and low-income earners, who were left stranded at major motor parks across Ibadan and other key towns in the state. The fare hike, reportedly imposed without prior notice, saw an increase of over 60% on routes such as Ibadan to Lagos, Ilorin, Akure, and Abuja.
Reacting to the development, Alhaji Tommy, was seen in different bus terminal in Ibadan on monday, acknowledged the concerns raised and commended the citizens for bringing the matter to public attention. He noted that while fluctuations in fuel prices and operational costs have affected transport rates nationwide, the PMS would not allow arbitrary charges that further burden the masses.
It was revealed that a special task force has been set up to monitor fare implementation across parks, ensure compliance with regulated charges, and prevent further extortion, particularly during the ongoing festive return rush and school resumption period.
Students’ unions from the University of Ibadan, The Polytechnic Ibadan, and Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) had earlier condemned the development, calling on the state government and transport unions to intervene. Several students interviewed by ThePage expressed relief at the PMS Chairman’s response but stressed the need for permanent regulatory oversight to avoid recurring fare shocks.
Meanwhile, the Oyo State Ministry of Public Works and Transport is expected to meet with PMS leadership this week to establish a fare stabilization framework, especially for inter-state routes originating from Oyo.
This intervention underscores the growing role of independent journalism in shaping public discourse and influencing policy actions in Nigeria.
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