Omituntun Shuttle Transformation: Steering Oyo State Towards a Modern Transport System
In a recent interview, Dr. Ibraheem Oladeji Salami, popularly known as “Dikko,” who serves as the sole administrator and chairman of the Oyo State Pacesetter Transport Services (PTS), spoke extensively about the strides made by the transport service since he assumed the office and shared plans for the future. The interview, held on the Fresh FM Radio 109.5 and hosted by Mayor Isaac Brown, was part of Dr. Salami's commitment to transparency and accountability.
Reflecting on his first year in office, Dr. Ibraeem Oladej Salami Dikko outlined the remarkable progress made at PTS. When he assumed leadership, the transport service had only five active buses, with many others out of service. Today, the fleet has expanded to 81 buses, a significant achievement that underscores the efficiency, doggedness and effectiveness of his administration.
“We started with just five operational buses, and now we have 81. This didn’t happen overnight; it took careful planning, dedication, and a focus on the needs of our people,” Dr. Salami noted. This expansion has allowed PTS to extend its services to several towns across Oyo State, including Oyo, Ogbomoso, Ibarapa, and Iseyin. Additionally, routes within Ibadan have increased from just two (2) (Ojo and Challenge) to twenty-eight 28, serving more areas and bringing much-needed convenience to residents.
Another significant advancement is the implementation of an effective card payment system. With over 250,000 subscribers, this system has streamlined fare collection and made it easier for passengers to access PTS services. Dr. Salami also highlighted the transport service’s commitment to supporting vulnerable groups, such as people with disabilities and students, by offering free rides to those who present valid identification.
“We’ve made provisions for special people, including persons with disabilities and students, to travel for free. All they need is an ID,” he explained.
Dr. Salami spoke passionately about the internal transformation at PTS, emphasizing the shift from an unstructured management system to a more organized and hierarchical structure with clearly defined roles and responsibilities. This change has improved operational efficiency and has also empowered the staff, enabling them to perform their duties more effectively.
He also touched on the improvements in operational and repair services, which have been pivotal in ensuring that buses are always in good condition and ready for service. “We’ve put systems in place to make sure our buses are well-maintained and that any repairs are carried out quickly. This is crucial for our operations,”.
As Dr. Salami enters his second year at the helm of PTS, he has set his sights on further expansion and improvement. One of his primary goals is the procurement of mini-buses that will serve roads in towns and rural areas, ensuring that even the most remote parts of Oyo State are connected.
“We’re planning to acquire mini-buses that can serve the smaller roads in our towns and rural areas. We want everyone in Oyo State to have access to reliable transportation, no matter where they live,” he said.
Another key initiative is the introduction of insurance schemes for intercity travel. This move aims to provide passengers with peace of mind and protect them against any unforeseen circumstances during their journeys. “Safety is a priority for us, and we want to make sure that our passengers are covered when they travel between states,” Dr. Salami emphasized.
Dr. Salami also revealed several innovative plans designed to generate revenue and ensure the sustainability of PTS. These include hiring out the buses for private events, expanding coverage to interstate routes, and constructing a mini-terminal that will feature a hotel and cinema. These ventures are expected to create additional income streams and enhance the overall experience for passengers.
“We’re thinking beyond just transportation. We want to create a hub where people can relax, watch a movie, or stay overnight if they need to. This is all part of our plan to make PTS a self-sustaining entity,” he explained.
Looking to the future, Dr. Salami shared plans to introduce PTS taxi services, with an initial fleet of 50 taxis. This service, along with a ride-hailing app, aims to offer residents of Oyo State a convenient and comfortable way to get around, further cementing PTS’s role as a pacesetter in public transportation.
“We’re not stopping at buses. We’re introducing PTS taxi services, and we’re also working on a ride-hailing app that will make it easier for people to get a ride whenever they need one,” he said.
Mayor Isaac Brown, the host of the program, commended Dr. Salami for his “innovation, creativity, and management acumen”. He praised the Chairman Sole Administrator for his efforts in mobilizing the staff and transforming PTS into a modern, efficient transport service being first of its kind in the history.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Salami expressed his gratitude to the Governor of Oyo State for his trust and commitment to service. He assured the people of Oyo State that PTS would continue to improve and expand, delivering better services to meet their needs.
“We’re here to serve you better, and we’re committed to making PTS the best it can be.” Dr. Salami concluded.
The future looks brighter for PTS Oyo State under the overall leader His Excellency Engr Sir Dsc GSSRS KJW Abiodun Saheed Sa'ad Seyi Makinde FNSE leadership, with exciting plans on the horizon that promise to enhance transportation services across Oyo State and beyond.
Guess what?, Oyo State leads, other states follow.
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