By Christiana Lot
In response to the pressing transportation issues confronting its populace, the Plateau State Government has unveiled the Tin City Metro, a novel transportation service featuring fourteen German-manufactured buses. This initiative is designed to mitigate the adverse effects of escalating transportation expenses consequent to the elimination of the petroleum subsidy.
Conducting an assessment of the Jos City Center’s Terminus area in anticipation of the service’s inauguration, the Secretary to the State Government, Architect Samuel Jatau, addressed members of the press regarding the government’s strategies.
He underscored the imperative of decluttering the city center to enhance traffic flow, indicating that vendors along the thoroughfares would be temporarily relocated to facilitate the construction of permanent marketplaces.
“The administration aims to establish markets in the vicinity to mitigate overcrowding in a single locale for commerce. We are adhering to our timetable, hence the delay in commissioning the buses. Our priority is to clear the thoroughfare before deploying the buses.”
He assured that the city center and other routes traversed by the buses would be cleared, advising vendors operating along major roads to vacate the area before the government resorts to stringent measures against them. He reiterated the government’s commitment to revitalizing the Jos metropolis and its environs.
Mr. Samuel Jock Gwott, the General Manager of Plateau Express Services Limited, expressed appreciation for the provision of buses, reaffirming the commitment to easing the transportation burden for the populace. With a focus on modernization, the system introduces card-based payments and feedback mechanisms to ensure customer satisfaction.
“To access the service, citizens can procure cards for a subsidized fee of 2000 Naira, with the government subsidizing over 50% of the cost. While digital transactions are encouraged for enhanced efficiency and revenue management, provisions will be made to accommodate individuals who prefer cash transactions.
“Marketing teams will disseminate information and facilitate card acquisitions at various points, ensuring inclusivity across all demographic strata. Initially, the Tin City Metro Bus Service will operate along eight routes, encompassing vital destinations within the state,” he elucidated.
He thereby implored the state’s residents to lend their support to the government’s initiatives aimed at ameliorating the populace’s plight, emphasizing the indispensability of collective effort for the government’s success.
