EDA CITY BUS CELEBRATES 1st ANNIVERSARY.
Port Moresby, 20, April 2023: Today, 20th April, marks the first anniversary of Eda City Bus Service since its first run. Although it has been years in the making, the service has come a long way, with many challenges and adversities, starting from just 2 buses to now, 26 staff and a fleet of 5 operational buses, servicing 3 main routes in Port Moresby from 6am to 6pm.
Marking the occasion, Eda City Bus Coordinator Elizabeth Viviso said, "I am proud of the efforts everyone has done to bring this initiative to this level of service for our people, and I sincerely want to thank and congratulate everyone for your efforts to make this service sustainable.”
This anniversary is an opportunity to reflect on the contribution of Eda City Bus in Port Moresby and to celebrate the success and transformation of delivering one year of a safe, clean and efficient bus service that our people deserve.
Eda City Bus started amid the Covid-19 pandemic and had to overcome hurdles and restrictions. However, the management and staff persevered to consistently provide this much-needed service despite all. Bus drivers, staff, and the municipal office faced various challenges, especially during the inception phase when local PMV owners protested against this service. Thanks to NCDC and the Office of the NCD Governor Powes Parkop, a beneficial consensus was reached to enable the continuity of the bus service.
"Since its inception of Eda City Bus, there have been numerous developments in terms of service routes, capacity and ease for passengers, ticketing and also advances in technology in which Eda City Bus has future plans to make this service even better. There's been many positive stories and testimonies reflecting Eda City Bus's successful evolution over the past year, which also serves as a gentle reminder to the management to focus on its role in transforming Port Moresby into a safe, inclusive, modern, vibrant city.” said Hon. Powes Parkop, Governor of NCD.
Eda City Bus, in the traditional Motu language, simply means "Our City Bus". So if there is anything we can take from this one-year anniversary, it is that one thing has remained consistent, and that is the vital role played by the city’s bus service in keeping people safe, and providing a clean and efficient service while supporting economic and social wellbeing.
“I’d like to thank NCDC, our stakeholders and the staff of Eda City Bus, who have shown tremendous dedication, resilience and service over the past year. The Eda City Bus service started almost when I became the City Manager, so I am looking forward to making our City Bus more accessible to everyone. It is important for our city residents and the Commission to ensure that more positive outcomes are delivered for our people. Congratulations to Eda City Bus on reaching 1 year." said City Manager, Ravu Frank.
Eda City Bus will continue to provide the best service, a transport system that is safe, clean and efficient and hopefully increase our routes in the city.
Approved for immediate release
RAVU FRANK
City Manager