By Pwanagba Agabus, Jos
When Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State promised to provide some form of transportation palliatives to cushion the negative effects of the subsidy removal on citizens; many were not too clear on how he was to do that due to the enduring economic challenges.
When the Governor explained he would procure new state-of-the-art MAN-Diesel buses to ply eight designated routes across the Jos-Bukuru metropolis so citizens would have access to a subsidised public transport system, he was doubted by some.
In February 2024 when the 15 buses were delivered to Jos, he was accused of getting refurbished buses from Germany as the naysayers wondered how such a feat could be achieved within a short period.
When illegal occupants of the designated routes for the buses were delayed in vacating the spaces to allow for the free flow of traffic so the buses could navigate the roads freely, again the naysayers say they were convinced the buses could not commence operation.
As impediments were cleared, the excited citizens on Tuesday, 7 May 2024 came out in their numbers to witness the unveiling of the transport initiative aka the Tin City Metro Urban Transportation Initiative by the Governor to signal the commencement of operation.
Driving the Governor and others across communities in the Jos North and Jos South Local Government Areas, citizens rushed out in their numbers in jubilation knowing that at last, their dream of having affordable, comfortable, and secure means of public transport has become a reality.
Speaking during the unveiling of the buses, the Governor said, “Today, we celebrate a milestone in our administration’s quest to fulfill the aspirations of our cherished citizens of Plateau State. We gather to mark a transformative step in our beloved city’s march towards modernity and progress—the unveiling of the Tin City Metro Urban Transportation Initiative.
“At the core of this initiative is our unwavering commitment to improving the daily lives of our people. We have procured 15 state-of-the-art MAN-Diesel buses to mitigate intra-city travel costs and provide a respite from the daily transportation challenges our commuters face.
“These buses are not mere vehicles; they are mobile hubs of innovation, equipped with the latest amenities such as Near Field Communication (NFC) and secure card payment systems. We are ushering in an era of digitized travel, aligning with the global shift towards cashless transactions for the convenience of our passengers.
“Safety and oversight are the cornerstones of our transportation network. To this end, we have integrated comprehensive video monitoring systems with audio/video feeds on each bus. This measure guarantees the safety of our passengers and instills a culture of accountability and transparency within our operations.”
He assured citizens, “The Tin City Metro Urban Transportation Initiative is more than a transportation project; it is a catalyst for community development.
“It is expected to generate between 500 to 1000 job opportunities, fueling economic growth and fostering development across the State. This initiative is about propelling our city into a future of prosperity and advancement.
“We will continue to introduce initiatives that alleviate economic burdens and elevate your quality of life. Our government will remain steadfast in its adherence to due process, accountability, transparency, equity, and the rule of law.”
The State Commissioner for Transport, Davou Jatau, lauded the Governor for the initiative and stressed the gesture is aimed at ameliorating the suffering of the people and not profit.
Also, the General Manager of Plateau Express Service Limited, Samuel Gwott whose office would manage the buses highlighted that the buses are inclusive as they have some gadgets for persons with disabilities.
He stated, “One of the key features of the buses is the use of reusable smart cards for ticketing. These cards not only promote environmental sustainability by reducing paper waste but also offer enhanced security through advanced encryption and authentication protocols.
“I appreciate the Director General of Plateau Environmental Protection and Sanitation Agency, PEPSA, Samuel Dapiya for donating 15 units of bins for the buses. We thank the Executive Secretary, Plateau State Drugs and Medical Commodities, Pharmacist Kim Bot for donating 15 first aid kits for the buses.
“To ensure the sustainability of this social programme, commuters must support this initiative by purchasing the transit cards.”
With Tin City Metro, each trip costs N200 irrespective of the distance, and a state-of-the-art mobile application that allows riders to track the real-time location and arrival times of metro buses has been developed.
The buses are equipped with an advanced CCTV system, with cameras strategically placed throughout the network. This is to aid monitoring and incident response and also serve as a deterrent against any potential threats.
Meanwhile, the Speaker of the State Assembly, Gabriel Dewan, former Governor Jonah Jang, Gbong Gwom Jos, HRH Jacob Buba, the Chief Judge of the State, Justice David Mann, and others commended the initiative.
