Gov Mutfwang unveils Tin City Metro Urban Transportation Initiative in Jos

by Christiana Gokyo, Jos

The government of Plateau State has unveiled the Tin City Metro Urban Transportation Initiative, Tuesday. During the ceremony, which held at old Government House Rayfield Jos, the State Governor, Mutfwang, was optimistic that, “By transformative step in our beloved city’s march towards modernity and progress, the unveiling of the Tin City Metro Urban Transportation Initiative is expected to generate between 500 to 1000 job opportunities.”

The launched and commissioned Tin City buses in Jos, on Tuesday.

According to him, “The core of this initiative is our unwavering commitment to improving the daily lives of our people; that is why we have procured 15 state-of-the-art MAN-Diesel buses, a move aimed at mitigating the costs of intra-city travel and providing 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,” he stated.

“The 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 stressed.

Barr. Mutfwang further explained that, “The Tin City Metro Urban Transportation Initiative is more than a transportation project; it is a catalyst for community development and 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,” he said, and reassured the people of Plateau State of his administration’s dedication to exemplary leadership. 

“Guided by principles of integrity, character, the fear of God and a deep-seated love for our state, we will continue to introduce initiatives that alleviate economic burdens and elevate your quality of life for the greater glory,” he stated.

While assuring that, the State Government will remain steadfast in its adherence to due process, accountability, transparency, equity, and the rule of law, Governor Mutfwang called upon all traders and citizens to collaborate with their officials, “who strive to maintain a clean and healthy environment for us all.” 

He further assured that, “Every decision made by this government is with your best interest at heart,” and called on all stakeholders, including leaders of MDAs, government parastatals, and appointees, to champion the transformative initiative.

Mutfwang noted that, “Leadership is not just about envisioning change, but it is about being an active participant in its realization. A tangible expression of our commitment is the adoption of metro travel cards for our staff.

“This initiative not only provides them with dependable transportation but also embodies our collective resolve to enhance the lives of every citizen, irrespective of their role.

“The time for action is now. Let us unite, set aside our differences, and wholeheartedly support government policies for the advancement and prosperity of Plateau State,” the governor stated. 

Speaking earlier, the General Manager Plateau Express Service, Samuel Gwott,said that, “No urban city can survive with a metro bus service. The economic and financial sustainability of cities in both developed and developing countries are inextricably linked with the viability of the city’s transportation system.

“From the time of our first General Manager, Nde Mannasa Emmanuel, when the Tin City Bus Service was first introduced, in the 80’s, it was a pride of the Plateau.” 

He commended the governor, who has brought back a system that was long forgotten, saying, “and now both the old and young will enjoy an improved and digitized transport system.” 

He said “The dream has become a reality as we offer a digitized bus service system that is comfortable and very affordable, and we have our sales team standing with card request forms. You can call them and fill the quantity of cards you will need to buy for your staff, and we will deliver tomorrow; we have four boots strategically positioned here for you to buy your card.”

According to him, “To ensure the sustainability of this social programme, commuters must play their role by supporting this initiative by purchasing the card. The Tin City metro project is designed with sustainability at its core, incorporating energy-efficient systems and eco-friendly practices throughout its operations.”

The GM pointed out that, “One of the key features 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.

“The cost of these cards will be kept affordable to ensure accessibility for all citizens. It’s important to note that the cost of operations for a metro system of this scale is significant. Based on research, other means of transportation plying Jos-Bukuru route now cost up to N700 per trip. With Tin City Metro, each trip costs N200.

“This initiative showcases the government’s proactive approach to addressing the city’s transportation needs and investing in sustainable infrastructure with over 20 bus shelters to be constructed within the next couple of weeks.

Samuel Gwott added that, “Commuters will have the convenience of purchasing or reloading their smart cards at multiple agent points throughout the city, ensuring easy access to the metro system.

“To further enhance the user experience, we have developed a state-of-the-art mobile application that allows riders to track the real-time location and arrival times of metro buses. This feature ensures efficient journey planning and reduces waiting times, and ensuring the safety and security of our passengers is of paramount importance,” he noted. 

Worthy of note, he said, “The Tin City Metro is equipped with an advanced CCTV system, with cameras strategically placed throughout the network. This will not only aid in monitoring and incident response but also serve as deterrent against any potential threats.

“Additionally, we have prioritized accessibility for individuals with disabilities, dedicated features, such as level boarding; and audible announcements will ensure a seamless and inclusive travel experience for all.”

The GM further stated that, this is their efforts to promote sustainable transportation. “We are actively exploring the integration of compressed natural gas (CNG) as an alternative fuel source for our bus fleet.

“This initiative aligns with our commitment to reducing emissions and contributing to a cleaner urban environment. Looking ahead, our long-term goal is to transition to an entirely electric vehicle (EV) fleet for both the metro trains and buses. 

“By providing efficient and reliable transportation, we aim to enhance connectivity, facilitate trade, and attract new investments, ultimately contributing to the overall prosperity of our region. We plan to extend the night life in the Plateau where businesses can stay longer and social programmes will be happy that people can get back home safely,” the GM stated.