By Bianca Iboma-Emefu
•Inauguration of Tin City Metro buses
•Mutfwang, Jang and others inside one of the buses
For the people of Plateau State, these are exciting times. They are happy that Governor Caleb Mutfwang is changing the narrative of the state and delivering profound dividends of democracy.
Last week, he launched the Tin City Metro Urban Transportation Initiative, which is expected to generate between 500 and 1,000 job opportunities, fuel economic growth and foster development across the state.
The governor volunteered this while unveiling 15 state-of-the-art MAN-Diesel buses procured to mitigate the costs of intra-city travel and provide respite for the daily transportation challenges of commuters in the state. According to to him, the introduction of the buses is geared towards propelling the city into a future of prosperity and progress.
Mutfwang said: “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 guarantee the safety of passengers and instill a culture of accountability and transparency within their operations, the governor said they have integrated comprehensive video monitoring systems with audio/video feeds on each. He said that the buses will steer the state towards modernity and progress, in accordance with global best practices.
Mutfwang urged citizens to treat the buses with care, emphasizing that responsible handling would ensure they serve the public effectively. He explained that the initiative was part of his administration’s commitment to fulfilling the aspirations of the wishes and aspirations of citizens of the state.
He said: “The Tin City Metro Urban Transportation Initiative lies at the heart of our unwavering dedication to enhancing the daily lives of the people of Plateau. With the procurement of these 15 advanced MAN-Diesel buses, we aim to alleviate the cost of intra-city travel and offer relief from the daily transportation hurdles faced by our commuters.
“These vehicles are more than just buses; they are centers of innovation on wheels, fitted with cutting-edge features like Near Field Communication and secure card payment systems. We’re entering a new phase of digitized travel, in line with the global trend of cashless transactions, for our passengers’ convenience.
“Safety and supervision are fundamental to our transportation network. Each bus is equipped with comprehensive video monitoring systems that provide audio/video feeds, ensuring passenger safety and fostering a culture of accountability and transparency in our operations. The Tin City Metro Urban Transportation Initiative is not just about transport, it’s a driver of community development.”
He reassured the citizens that the government would continue to adhere to due process, accountability, transparency, equity and the rule of law. He called on traders and citizens to work alongside government officials to maintain a clean and healthy environment.
He further said: “I urge all stakeholders, including leaders of MDAs, government parastatals and appointees, to lead this transformative initiative. It offers reliable transportation and reflects our shared commitment to improving the lives of all citizens. Now is the time for action.
“It’s time for us to come together, put aside our differences and fully support government policies that will lead to the advancement and prosperity of Plateau State. I am honored to commission the Tin City Metro Buses.”
Samuel Gwott, the general manager of Plateau Express Service Limited, which will manage the buses, emphasized that the Tin City metro project was built on sustainability. He encouraged citizens to acquire their smart cards, which will be the primary means of accessing the buses.
He said: “These smart cards are environmentally friendly, reducing paper waste, and they enhance security with sophisticated encryption and authentication protocols. We’ve ensured that the cards are affordable for all citizens. This initiative demonstrates the government’s proactive stance in meeting the city’s transportation needs and investing in sustainable infrastructure, with over 20 bus shelters set to be constructed in the coming weeks.”
Dignitaries that graced the event included former governor of the state, Sen. Jonah David Jang; the Gbong Gwom Jos, Da. Jacob Gyang Buba; Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Hon. Gabriel Dewan; and the Chief Judge, David Mann, among others. They all praised Mutfwang’s courage and determination in transforming the state. They called for a culture of maintenance to ensure the longevity of the vehicles.
Mutfwang has also resuscitated the moribund rail transport system within Jos Bukuru Metropolis. All these are aimed at boosting the state’s economy and improving the standard of living of the people.
Director of press and public affairs to the governor, Mr. Bere Gyang, said: “The governor purchased 20 Toyota Sienna buses for transportation between Jos and Abuja with modern facilities, revitalization of the moribund rail transport system in the statem which will be commissioned soon.”
