Gov. Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau on Tuesday inaugurated 20 new Sienna buses for Plateau Riders to enhance passenger comfort and safety.
Mutfwang, who was represented by his deputy, Mrs Josephine Piyo, said that the inauguration represented a critical step forward in his administration’s relentless pursuit of a robust and improved transport network in the state.
The governor stated that the buses, which were for the Jos-Abuja route, signified a significant improvement in connectivity between the two important cities.
He emphasised that the modern buses were equipped with state-of-the-art tracking systems for ensuring passenger safety and providing real-time monitoring of their locations.
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Mutfwang added that the buses would provide reliable and comfortable transportation options for commuters traveling between Jos and Abuja, contributing to increased mobility and economic activities in both cities.
The governor noted that the establishment of Plateau Express Logistics, a subsidiary of Plateau Express Services, underscored his administration’s commitment to providing efficient and effective logistics solutions.
“The advanced tracking systems for the fleet of vehicles, and the logistics arm will employ cutting-edge technology to optimize route planning, minimize delivery times, and ensure a secure and timely transportation of goods.
“It will play a crucial role in facilitating the seamless movement of goods and materials, supporting businesses, industries, and individuals in Plateau.
“The introduction of a mobile booking app represents a leap forward in embracing digital technology to enhance the customer experience and streamline the booking process.
“This Rebirth Project reflects our government’s recognition of the importance of modernizing and improving transportation infrastructure in Plateau .
“This serves as a testament to the collaborative efforts between the government and private sector to address transportation challenges and drive progress,” he said.
The Speaker of the Plateau House of Assembly, Gabriel Dewan, said that the assembly would provide legislative backing to the Plateau Express innovations to avoid litigation.
Dewan commended Mutfwang for his efforts towards alleviating the sufferings of the people.
The Commissioner for Transport, Mr Jatau Davou, said that the ministry was working on all fronts to address the transportation needs of Plateau citizens.
Davou said that through Mutfwang’s efforts, passengers could travel three times a week by air to and from Abuja and other cities.
According to him, all was set for the inauguration of trains and metro buses in the state.
Mr. Samuel Gwott, General Manager, Plateau Express Service Limited (PESL), said that apart from easing transportation challenges, the buses would generate huge revenue for the state.
Gwott said that the PESL has opened up five revenue channels, and these channels have been approved, are being registered as subsidiaries, and are currently being repositioned to operate as a group of companies.
“Under the group of companies, we have Plateau Rider Services Ltd., Tin City Metro Services Ltd. (this will be commissioned by the governor on May 7 as a palliative to alleviate the sufferings of citizens), and Plateau Express Logistics Ltd.
“Others are Plateau Express Learning Hub Ltd. and Plateau Express Automobile Ltd.,” he announced.
The GM explained that passengers in the state had two options to travel in.
According to him, Plateau Riders have the Gida Gida Express Coaster Bus that goes for just N5,000, and that 25-seater bus would leave both Abuja and Jos at noon every day.
The second option, he said, was the air-conditioned Toyota Sienna that operates between 6am and 4pm for N9000.
