Massive crowds gathered on Tuesday at key locations across the Jos-Bukuru metropolis to celebrate the achievement of Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, who inaugurated 15 Tin City Metro Buses. The buses are set to reduce transportation costs in the state.
At the Government House Chapel in the old Government House Jos, Governor Mutfwang unveiled the state-of-the-art MAN-Diesel buses. He belief that the buses will steer the state towards modernity and progress in accordance with global best practices.
The Governor 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.
“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,” said Governor Mutfwang. “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 (NFC) 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 added.
Governor Mutfwang also noted that the project is poised to create between 500 to 1000 job opportunities, thereby stimulating economic growth and promoting development throughout the state. According to to him, the introduction of the buses is geared towards propelling the city into a future of prosperity and progress.
He reassured the citizens that the government will 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.
“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,” Governor Mutfwang declared.
“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,” he concluded.
Samuel Gwott, the General Manager of Plateau Express Service Limited, which will manage the buses, emphasized that the Tin City metro project is built on sustainability. He encouraged citizens to acquire their smart cards, which will be the primary means of accessing the buses.
“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,” Gwott explained.
Hon. Davou Jatau, the Commissioner of Transport, commended Governor Mutfwang for his remarkable achievements, saying a date for the commissioning of the Railway line in the state will soon be announced.
Dignitaries such as former Governor of Plateau State, Sen. Jonah David Jang, the Gbong Gwom Jos, Da. Jacob Gyang Buba, Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Gabriel Dewan, and the Chief Judge, David Mann, all praised Governor Mutfwang’s courage and determination in transforming the state. They called for a culture of maintenance to ensure the longevity of the vehicles.
Gyang Bere
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Executive Governor of Plateau State
May 7th, 2024.
