By Gyang Bere
For those who have been on the Plateau for long, there had been a lull in the transportation needs of the state for ages. There was no definite plans to change that narrative in the last dispensation until the emergence of an exceptional leader with a passion.
Only recently under the government of Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, the Plateau Express Services Group’s operations were scaled up for maximum efficiency in order to play the role expected of it in the industry.
Before the coming on board of Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang’s administration, the Plateau Express Services Group, solely owned by the Plateau State Government while it held sway; the degree of its services were not felt as it is today.
Something remarkable must have ignited the new spirit behind its operations now, thus ensuring that everything about it is taking a new dimension and turn around for good.
Its turnaround thus became manifest, what with the addition of 15 metro buses to its fleet and the appointment of a General Manager; whose experience in the sector is legendary.
The touch of doing business differently which was brought by the new helmsman, Samuel Gwot became the harbinger of good things for its commuters and the business generally.
The innovations to get and ensure that its operations are streamlined for efficiency opened the doors for enhanced revenue generation and profitability.
Before now, on account of its epileptic services in the past, private transport owners took advantage of the near absence of the ogarnization in the transportation business. Sadly, this development left commutters at their mercy.
The coming on board of The Time is Now Administration, set the new tone for fresh ideas concerning the transportation needs of Plateau people. It was therefore obvious that the presence of government was necessary; if a direction was actually needed.
In the heat of the current hard economic climate, the transport sector in Plateau State has been seriously affected as elsewhere. Commuters have been made to bear the brunt of all the indignities Nigerians go through these days.
A break from the past thus, became necessary; if for anything, the taking the right steps by the state government necessarily brought the needed dividends.
The Jos Metro Buses are the rave of the moment. The story on the lips of commuters in the Jos Bukuru Metropolis as their saving grace are so nuanced and by interpretation, an industry’s welcome development.
The introduction of the Tincity Metro project by the Barr Caleb Mutfwang’s administration was aimed at addressing transportation needs in Plateau State’s urban centers.
It started with the deployment of 15 modern MAN-Diesel buses, which was, in the main, to serve as a palliative to alleviate the high costs of intra-city transportation.
This initiative, it must be stated, ‘is not only about moving people from one point to another but creating a more convenient, safe, and efficient commuting experience for Plateau residents’.
Basically and for those who don’t know, ‘the Metro Buses are equipped with several cutting-edge features that elevate the standard of public transportation’, in an age that places premium on this.
The features include: NFC Secure Card Payment Technology; thus its introduction ‘allows for cashless payments with ease’ by their patrons.
Significantly, it is a bold leap ‘towards a fully digitized and cashless commuting system, promoting convenience and reducing the risks associated with cash handling’ by its operators.
So far, the card sales has been impressive. According to the General Manager, Mr Samuel Gwot, ‘over 30,000, with an average active commuter base of 8,000 people’ have been recorded so far.
The fact that the adoption of initiative has improved its sales is a pointer to the commuters’ ‘readiness to embrace modern, tech-driven solutions’ even in transportation. Saner climes thrive on this technology for the success of their systems.
The Comprehensive Video Monitoring is meant to ‘ensure the safety and security of commuters’, as ‘each bus is fitted with video monitoring systems that provide real-time audio and visual feeds. This setup is designed to enhance oversight and ensure that commuters feel secure while using the service’.
In this age that security and safety of commuters are widely regarded as primary, it is understood why on a daily basis, the bus stations are filled to the brim with people waiting for the arrival of the buses in the metropolis to convey them to various destinations.
By far, the consideration for Employment and Economic Growth, are primary. Without doubt, ‘Tincity Metro project has created direct and indirect job opportunities, with projections indicating that it will generate 500–1,000 jobs, thus fostering economic growth and improving livelihoods across the state’.
This is not an estimation, as already, the PES Group has brought on board new staff that are working in sync with the vision of the current move. They have since been engaged and are playing critical roles in the economic development of Plateau State through PES Group.
Its operations are without doubt in line with Environmental Considerations and Cost Efficiency for the organisation. The General Manager, Mr Samuel Gwot is upbeat about it, noting that in ‘addition to the diesel buses currently operating, plans are underway to integrate Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses, which will significantly reduce emissions and fuel costs, making the service more sustainable and eco-friendly in the long term’.
Considering the good intentions of the Mutfwang administration, ‘the Tincity Metro project’ initiative ‘has become an essential part of daily life for many Plateau residents, offering them a safe, affordable, and efficient way to navigate the city’.
It is possible that ‘as the project grows, the management of Plateau Express Services Group are committed to continually improving the service, expanding the fleet, and exploring more innovative features that enhance the experience for all users’.
It is understood why ‘Mutfwang administration’s vision for a modern, integrated public transport system’, has not been only ‘well underway’, there is no hiding ‘the impact on commuters and the broader community are both tangible and promising’.
Without hiding the fact, ‘this initiative truly exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to public transportation in Plateau State’, it is a thing of pride for the Plateau Express Services Group ‘to be at the forefront of this movement’; thus casting it in proper perspective.
Given the preponderance of the number of commutters each day at the bus stations, the challenge is that additions are soon to be made to the fleet.
The point has been made and also celebrated, Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang through the Plateau Express Services Group has not rested on its oars for the need to be the best in the sector, going forward.
That is why it is further committed to the continuous change in its narrative, and an expected growth towards expansion in the sector. Redefining the transport sector is one of the signposts of this administration.
Gyang Bere is, Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Executive Governor of Plateau State
