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Special report: GTSC unveils ambitious blueprint: Revolutionizing public transport with bold strategic initiatives!

Nov 15, 2023, 11:13 AM | Article By: Sariba Manneh

“GTSC is now a ten-year old entity and since its inception, we have been expanding our fleet on a regular basis; on average every three years, i.e, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2019. 2022 and 2023,” Seedy Kanyi the General Manager of GTSC, made  this statement yesterday 14 November 2023 at GTSC headquarters.

Under the visionary leadership of Kanyi, GTSC has augmented its fleet by an impressive 100 buses from 2022 to the present. This remarkable achievement is attributed to the unwavering support and collaborative synergy between GTSC, the Gambian Government, and the esteemed Parent Company, SSHFC. “All this is geared towards the provision of affordable, reliable and safe travel means to the Gambian public and beyond,” he said.

In a recent discussion on their latest growth endeavours, Kanyi revealed a significant milestone, stating: "Approximately two weeks ago, precisely on October 26th and 27th, a high-profile delegation from GTSC, featuring the Board Chairman, General Manager, and key members of senior management, participated in the Gambia Day event hosted by the Gambia High Commission in Dakar, Senegal. This pivotal occasion marked a triumphant chapter for GTSC as they successfully formalized a Memorandum of Understanding with their Senegalese counterparts, Dakar Dem Dikk.

He elaborated: “This MOU will allow GTSC together with Dakar Dem Dikk (the two largest public transport companies in SeneGambia) to double our service coverage on the Banjul-Dakar Corridor."

 He also said that, in response to soaring demand, GTSC, which is currently operating with two daily buses per direction, announces imminent deployment of an additional two buses.

“This strategic expansion aligns with the pressing need for enhanced service capacity,” he stated, saying “Anticipated benefits include not only a seamless response to increased demand but also the fortification of trade links between The Gambia and Senegal. As the service remains widely favoured at both ends, this service augmentation is poised to amplify the efficiency and connectivity integral to cross-border trade.

“Locally, we have opened new destinations across the country, thereby opening up these settlements to vibrant commercial activities. These new destinations include the following: Koina, Diabugu, Mankamang Kunda, Sami Pachonki,Kunting, Jangangbureh, Kaur, Bambali and Jarra Sutukung,”

Kanyi emphasised the company's strategic vision to broaden its reach, outlining plans to venture into new locales both domestically and internationally. The focus is on expanding services to key destinations in Senegal, including Touba and Ziguinchor, alongside revitalizing operations to Guinea Bissau and Koundara in Guinea Conakry. This forward-looking approach aligns with GTSC's commitment to enhancing its footprint and providing comprehensive transport solutions across diverse regions.

INNOVATIONS:

Mr Kanyi further stated in a drive to further modernise and digitalise their operations, they  are also developing a modern Ticketing Solution with one of their suppliers. With this Ticketing software, he explained, they  will be using handheld devices to issue passenger tickets and more importantly, they  will be introducing smart Travel Cards called the TAAMO Card for their  dear passengers.

“This will be the first of its kind to be used in the Country,” he assured, saying: “We will be launching these cards very soon and the media will be contacted for widespread coverage. This will be Revolutionizing Travel as Your Gateway to Seamless Smart Bus Travel. It is going to be a cutting-edge smart bus ticketing system that promises to redefine the way commuters experience public transportation. Inspired by the success of systems like Transport for London’s Oyster Card, the Tamo Card is set to transform travel for the better, Making journeys more efficient, Convenient, and enjoyable.”

Speaking on the dynamic realm of transport innovation in the country, Fabuka Njaay, Director of Corporate Affairs at the Social Security and Housing Finance Corporation (SSHFC) and a former luminary at GTSC, passionately conveyed the ongoing alliance between SSHFC and GTSC.

Njaay highlighted the strategic significance of this collaboration, emphasizing GTSC’s pivotal role in enhancing mobility and catalyzing socio-economic activity. He underscored the company’s unmatched contributions through its expansive infrastructure, expertise, and unparalleled service offerings within the country’s road transport sector.

He also applauded GTSC’s customer-centric ethos, acknowledging the commendable adaptability of the Board, Management, and Staff in meeting the evolving needs of their clientele.

This commitment, he noted, has propelled GTSC to achieve significant milestones over the years, a testament to their laudable dedication.

Anticipating the imminent launch of the Tamo card, Njaay positioned it as a revolutionary outcome of GTSC’s innovative drive.

The card, a hallmark of forward-thinking transport solutions, is poised to reshape the transport sector, offering unprecedented convenience and efficiency to the populace.

Expressing gratitude, Njaay extended thanks to the government for its unwavering support of both SSHFC and GTSC. This collaborative partnership, he noted, stands as a beacon of strength, combining public and private sector forces to propel the nation towards progress.

 

Key features and benefits of Tamo Card:

  1. Contactless Convenience: Tamo Card would offer a contactless and hassle-free payment solution, eliminating the need for physical cash transactions. Commuters can simply tap their Tamo Card on the bus reader, ensuring a swift and smooth boarding process.
  2. Time-Saving Efficiency: Bid farewell to long queues and delays with the Tamo Card. By streamlining the ticketing process, with commitment to reducing boarding times, getting you to your destination faster and more efficiently.
  3. Smart Savings with Season Tickets: Tamo Card introduces the savvy solution of season tickets, allowing commuters to purchase and load extended-period passes in advance. This revolutionary feature is a game-changer for students, eliminating the need to carry daily fares. With the Tamo Card, students can conveniently secure their travel for an entire term or academic year, ensuring seamless access to transportation without the hassle of daily transactions. Embrace the ease of planning and cost-effectiveness as you top up your Tamo Card with a season ticket, making each journey a stress-free and efficient experience.
  4. Enhanced Security: With advanced security features, the Tamo Card ensures that your travel transactions are safe and secure. The encrypted technology protects your personal giving you peace of mind during your travels.
  5. Eco-Friendly Initiative: Join us in our commitment to a greener planet. The Tamo Card reduces the need for paper tickets, contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly public transportation system.