Any Vehicle Not Painted With Official Colour Will Not Be Allowed to Operate Says Rivers Commissioner

In a move to promote uniformity and ensure subsidized rates for public transportation, the Rivers State Ministry of Transport has issued a mandate for all commercial vehicles operating within the state to be painted with the official state color by August 1st. This new rule applies to taxis, buses, and tricycles, commonly known as “Keke.”

The Ministry has reached an agreement with some designated automobile painting workshops to provide subsidized rates for the repainting of these vehicles. This initiative aims to facilitate the transition and ease the financial burden on operators.

According to Prince (Hon) Collins N Onunwo, Esq., the Commissioner for Transport in Rivers State, “The Ministry of Transport wishes to inform all commercial drivers operating in Rivers State, particularly those with taxis, buses, and tricycles (Keke), that from August 1st, 2024, any commercial vehicle not painted with the official color will be barred from operating.”

The decision has sparked mixed reactions among the public. Some motorists in Port Harcourt have appealed to the State Government to extend the deadline, citing concerns about the cost and feasibility of repainting their vehicles within the given timeframe.

Rivers State Mandates Vehicle Color Change for Public Transport Operators

The Rivers State Ministry of Transport’s mandate has also raised questions about the potential impact on the local economy, with concerns about the effect on gas stations and auto shops. Additionally, there are worries about the ability of drivers to comply with the new regulations, given the potential financial burden.

In response to these concerns, the Ministry has emphasized that the new rules will not impose obligations on consumers, as they do not ban gasoline cars or force people to buy electric vehicles. The focus is on promoting uniformity and subsidized rates for public transportation.

As the deadline approaches, motorists are urged to ensure their vehicles are painted before August 1st to avoid penalties. The Rivers State Ministry of Transport remains committed to ensuring the smooth implementation of this new mandate, which is aimed at improving the state’s transportation system and promoting uniformity among commercial vehicles.