As part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy
Day, Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State on Thursday commissioned 15
additional buses under the Tin City Metro 2.0 scheme, reinforcing his
administration’s push to ease transportation costs and improve public welfare.
Speaking at the Old Government House in Rayfield, Jos,
Mutfwang said the buses were procured using the state’s constitutional
allocations, not federal donations or grants.
“These buses were purchased brand new. They are
not Tokunbo . Some MDAs were denied new vehicles so we could
invest in these buses. While ministries settled for Tokunbo, we decided the
people deserved the best,” he said.
Mutfwang noted that Plateau Express Service, now
rebranded as Tin City Metro, last functioned effectively under a previous PDP
government and is being restored to its glory.
“Today, once again under a PDP-led government, we are
reviving it. We are also reviving ASTC, GIB, Panyam Fish Farm, Hill Station
Hotel, Plateau Hotel. Let me assure the people: we have only just begun,” he
stated.
He added that planning had begun for Plateau Express
3.0 and disclosed the state had signed an MoU with the Federal Airports
Authority of Nigeria to upgrade Jos Airport into an international cargo
terminal.
“No sector will be left untouched. We will also engage
the Federal Government on the railway sector. We have shown through this
initiative that anything is possible,” the governor said.
Earlier, Commissioner for Transportation, Hon. Jatau
Gyang Davou, described the Metro scheme as a more sustainable alternative to
welfare payments.
“When others focus solely on conditional cash
transfers, we have implemented a more impactful solution. A return trip between
Anglo D and Terminus, which normally costs ?2,400, now costs ?400. That’s a
saving of ?2,000 daily or ?50,000 monthly per commuter,” he said.
Davou noted that 15 buses were introduced in 2024,
with another 15 added in this second phase.
In his remarks, General Manager of Plateau Express
Services, Mr. Samuel Gwott, said skepticism about the ?3,000 MetroCard had
faded, with nearly 60,000 registered users.
“Critics laughed at the idea. But demand grows every
week. People embrace structure when it is sincere and sustainable,” he said.
Gwott highlighted smart features on the new buses,
including mobile apps, card management tools, QR code payment, real-time
tracking, and AI-driven insights for operational optimization. He also
acknowledged the appointment of Plateau’s first female Metro driver.
Also,Dr. Jim Pam Wayas, Chairman of the Plateau State
Internal Revenue Service, described the Metro as more than just transportation.
“We’ve not yet reached the ‘business end’ where this
becomes a national model, but we’re close. Last year, the scheme generated more
than ?2.5 billion in revenue. This is economic stimulus. No more long queues.
Just swap your MetroCard, board, and go,” he said.
The Metro launch was part of a wider infrastructure
initiative by the governor, who also commissioned a modern diagnostics lab, a
paediatric ward, and an office complex at the Plateau State Specialist
Hospital; the Utonkon Bridge and adjoining roads; and a new administrative
block alongside the refurbished Joshua Dariye Hall at the Plateau State
Polytechnic, Jos Campus.
The event was attended by the deputy governor, speaker
of the House of Assembly, cabinet members, and other dignitaries.
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