In furtherance of its commitment to safety and orderliness in the transport sector, the Federal Capital Territory Administration is set to implement a new Public Transport Management Scheme ( PTMS) that will ensure an organised and secured Public Transportation Network in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
The Director, FCT Directorate Of Road Traffic Services ( DRTS), Dr. Bello Abdul-Laleef, made this disclosure at a One Day Sensitisation Summit for App- Based Drivers in Abuja.
The Director said that the event is a testament to the determination and resolve of the FCT Administration to shape the future of Transportation through collaboration, Education, and use of cutting edge Technology.
Abdul-Laleef explained that the FCT Public Transport Management Scheme ( PTMS) is a visionary initiative that embodies the Agency’s aspirations for an efficient Public Transportation network that will leverage on technology and consistent stakeholders’ engagement.
The Director said that the Partnership with Bolt Nigeria is a shared commitment to safety, orderliness and progress.
His words:”The journey towards PTMS has been characterised by extensive efforts which includes the meticulous review of Transport Regulations, the establishment of a robust technology platform, licensing of operators, integration with allied operator platform and intensive Staff training.”
He added that the aim of the Public Transport Management Scheme; which will be launched before the end of 2023, is to ensure that each App- Based Driver effectively comprehends their regulatory responsibilities, thereby ensuring a culture of compliance and safety.
Shedding more light on the Scheme; the Assistant Director, PTMS, Mr. Babawale Olalekan Durojaye said “One-Chance” and majority of crimes perpetrated within the City are done through the use of vehicles and that is the reason government’s attention is focused on the safety of the passengers.
Durojaye said that there are three components in the transport environment, the Driver, the Vehicle and the Environment; adding that having a National Drivers licence does not make one a good Driver.
According to him, “We have a training School here where we train Drivers after which we capture their biometrics. We have MOU with National Identity Management Council which ensures that we have the right information. We are working towards a data based of all commercial and E- hailing Drivers in the FCT”.
The Assistant Director said the focus is on safety of lives, as passengers will be able to crosscheck the information of the Driver coming to pick them through an app that can be downloaded on the Phone.
He restated that every driver who wants to drive on commercial basis must be registered with a licensed operating company; stressing that “the technology will merge Drivers information with his Vehicle so that if the information of the Driver cannot be found, then it means it is not safe to board such a Vehicle”.
“The Public Transport Management Scheme is a welcome development in quest to make Abuja a Smart City. When fully operational, it will reduce vehicular based crimes and ensure safety and sanity on our road,” he remarked.
“Accordingly, the Scheme targets the use of innovative technology to regulate Public Transportation to achieve harmonisation of operations; efficiency, safety, professionalism and orderliness in the transport Sector,” he said.
