A visitor to the FCT may experience what I just did. If it is your first time in Abuja and you don't have any one to give you directions or tell you how much the cab fare is, just get ready to spend all your money on transportation to your destination. Unsuspecting visitors fall prey to this such of situation in Abuja.
Standing at Uye bus stop looking for a cab to take me to Shoprite at Apo. I asked the first cab, a dark-skinned man, possibly in his 30s, he said Menini! speaking in Hausa as if I understood what that meant. I replied Apo, he blurted out three Thousand , e far like that, was what I could reply as he zoomed off,in search of another passenger.
I stood there for like 20 minutes still trying to get a cab.Finally I got tired and frustrated and decided to go with the next cab that stops for me, suddenly a cab approaches me, the driver of the cab waves his hand at me, pointing at a position adjacent the road I stood, I just guessed that meant my destination,and I asked how much for Apo? I didn't wait to banter the fare with him, I just opened the cab door and practically jumped in so that he won't have any reason not to pick me,as he sped away.
The road was free not the usual traffic holdup peculiar to Lagos, though the it was busy but no traffic jam.
The sight was delightful to the eyes, as I passed luxurious buildings in choice places, business premises as well as hotels which all smelt big buck, what can I say,Abuja is a very beautiful place.
Almost at my destination, the cab driver asked for the exact place I was going to in Apo, I told him family Christian Center, at least that is what I was told to say as its easier to locate my destination that way.
The cab pulled up at my destination, I asked the cab man how much I was to pay him, he said 3000naira, I told him I couldn't pay that amount of money for such a short distance. He started speaking his language (mother tongue)I didn't understand a word of what he said, but thank God he could communicate with me. Finally, we came to an agreement and I paid 1500,whoof, at least, ok right?
Hints on how to survive the Abuja Transportation fare hike.
* Be smart
* Wake up early to avoid the early morning rush.
* Don't act like a stranger
* Call whoever you are visiting to give you directions and tell you how much it cost to get there.
* Consider jumping bus/cab or unless you can afford it, go for the cab;you will arrive your destination in record time.
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