The Sole Administrator and Chairman of the Oyo State Pacesetter Transport Services (PTS), Dr. Ibraheem Oladeji Salami, popularly known as “Dikko,” has stated that the buses in the fleet of the transportation company has increased from five to eighteen.
He stated this during an interview on Fresh 105.5FM while speaking extensively on other strides his administration has made since he assumed office.
During the interview hosted by a popular broadcaster in the City, Mayor Isaac Brown, Dikko highlighted remarkable progress made at the PTS, his commitment to transparency and accountability, which has changed the status quo positively.
“When I 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 my administration.
“We started with just five operational buses, and now we have 81. This didn’t happen overnight as it took careful planning, dedication, and a focus on the needs of our people,” Dr. Salami quipped.
While saying that the expansion has allowed PTS to extend its services to several towns across Oyo State including Oyo, Ogbomoso, Ibarapa, and Iseyin, he added that the 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.
He further noted that another significant advancement is the implementation of an effective card payment system, which now has over 250,000 subscribers, saying that the 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.
He concluded that the ventures are expected to create additional income streams and enhance the overall experience for passengers.
