By Mustapha Jallow
“GTSC is now a ten-year-old entity, and since its inception, we have been expanding our fleet regularly every three years, i.e., 2013, 2015, 2016, and 2019. 2022 and 2023,” Seedy Kanyi, the General Manager of GTSC, said this on the 14 of 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 providing affordable, reliable, and safe travel means to the Gambian public and beyond,” he added
In a recent discussion on their latest growth endeavors, Kanyi revealed a significant milestone
Stating, that “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.and Quot;. “This MOU will allow GTSC and Dakar Dem Dikk (the two largest public transport companies in Senegambia) to double our service coverage on the Banjul-Dakar Corridor, & “he highlighted.
Adding that currently, in response to soaring demand, GTSC, presently operating with two daily buses per direction, announces the imminent deployment of two more buses. This strategic expansion aligns with the pressing need for enhanced service capacity. Anticipated benefits include a seamless response to increased demand and fortifying trade links between The Gambia and Senegal. As the service remains widely favored 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, opening these settlements to vibrant commercial activities. These new destinations include the following: Koina, Diabugu, Mankamang Kunda, Sami Pachonki, Kunting, JangjnagBureh, Kaur, Bambali, and Jarra Sutukung.”
Kanyi emphasized the company and 39 strategic vision to broaden its reach, outlining plans to venture into new domestic and international locales. 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 and 39 commitment to enhancing its footprint and providing comprehensive transport solutions across diverse regions.
Innovations: In our drive to modernize and digitize our operations further, they are also developing a modern ticketing solution with one of their suppliers. With this Ticketing software, they will be using handheld devices to issue passenger tickets, and more importantly, they will be introducing intelligent Travel Cards, called the TAAMO Card, for their passengers.
“The TAAMO Card will be the first used in the Country. We will launch these cards very soon, and the media will be contacted for widespread coverage. It will be a cutting-edge smart bus ticketing system that promises to redefine how 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,” he explained.
Key Features and Benefits of the Tamo Card are
1. Contactless Convenience: Tamo Card would offer a contactless and hassle-free payment solution, eliminating the need for physical cash transactions. Commuters can 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, we are committed to reducing boarding times and 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. Encrypted technology protects your personal information, giving you peace of mind during travel.
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.
In the dynamic realm of transport innovation, 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.
Njaay celebrated 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 SSHFC and GTSC. This collaborative partnership, he noted, stands as a beacon of strength, combining public and private sector forces to propel the nation toward progress.
