To cushion the effect of fuel subsidy removal on the masses, the Plateau State Government has acquired 14 new mass transit buses, codenamed ‘Tin City Metro Bus’ to commence intercity operation in March, 2024.
Before commencing operations however, a popular market center in Jos, known as terminus market which has become a shadow of itself has been marked as a bus terminal for the Tin City Buses.
Recall that after the Jos Terminus market was burnt down during one of the many crises that engulfed the State, makeshift petty traders took over the site to make daily living thereby defacing the Jos master plan.
However, assembling the buses before it commences operation the State Government through the Secretary to Government of the State, Mr. Samuel Jatau said that the traders are on the same page with the government understanding that a terminal has to be created for the buses.
He said haven’t dialogue with them and they have reached a common ground on how to coexist with the new site coming in place.
He said though the measure was a temporary one, the Jos main market will be unbundled and be sighted within the neighborhood where it will be closer to the people.
“For security reasons, it is not even appropriate to have a market centered in one location, very soon the State Government will build more markets closer to the people so that everyone will not be coming to Terminus for transactions”, he said.
On his part, the General Manager, Plateau Express Service Limited, Mr. Samuel Gwott, who conducted journalists round the buses said that the Tin City Metro Bus Service will commence soon.
Gwott said that the Tin City buses are safe, affordable and very reliable.
He said the buses have a good customer care system where commuters would give feedback in case they’re having any issues with the buses.
“Adverts will soon be coming out on the routes the buses will be taken.
“We already have 20,000 tickets ready so that people can preorder. These tickets can even be delivered at homes.
“The cards are going for 2000 Naira, and it’s still at a very affordable price. Both the cards and the transport fare are highly subsidized by the Plateau Government”, he said