GTSC commissions maiden int’l bus service

By Omar Bah The Gambia Transport Service Company (GTSC) Sunday commissioned its maiden International Bus Express Service linking Banjul with Koundara in Guinea Conakry. According to the GTSC board the objective of the International automobiles Express Service is to offer reliable and affordable service to Gambians and non-Gambians alike travelling between the two countries. The 44-seat buses will be running from the Kanifing Depot to Koundara in Guinea Conakry four times a week. Speaking at the launching yesterday, the GTSC General Manager Habib Drammeh said the new service is a reliable and that all the buses embarking on the service will be equipped with standard facilities that will make every passenger feel comfortable. He said the new service has been a plan since 2016, and that it was a great pleasure for the GTSC to launch the service in a bid to ensure that travelling in the sub-region is made more affordable and reliable. “This new maiden service is also in the general spirit of contributing our quarter in complementing ECOWAS’ drive towards regional integration. We believe it is our duty to play our part towards that development and as well ensure that people travelling within these countries are assured with safe travelling to their destinations,” he said. He said there are other plans to ensure that the service connects Mali and Sierra Leone in the not too long distance future, saying “Kaddijatou Sey who happens to be the first passenger to buy the tickets will be awarded a certificate and a cash price in a form of remembrance”. The board chairman of GTSC who also doubles as the managing director social security and housing finance cooperation Edward Graham said the launching of such a laudable service is a victory for the whole country and the sub region. “I could remember when this idea was first brought before the GTSC management, it seemed to be a very perfect one but who would have thought it could be a reality in just a short period of time? This is also a clear indication that GTSC is not only looking to be the number one travel service in the Gambia, but one to be reckoned with in the region,” he added. He said improving movement in the sub-region will contribute meaningfully towards the socio-economic development of the Gambia and West Africa. Aji Yamudow Jagne, international service project manager GTSC, seized the opportunity to thank their customers for gracing the occasion, saying “GTSC’s vision to facilitate smooth transportation in the sub region starting with Guinea Conakry is a step in the right direction”. “We will continue to ensure that we provide a safe and reliable service to all our passengers travelling to their destinations without any delay. We want to ensure that all our passengers are given reliable and standard transport facilities,” he concludes. Meanwhile, the Guinean Ambassador to the Gambia Nabi Ebrahim Yula thanked the government of the Gambia and the management of GTSC for facilitating a service which he said will pay dividends in the sub-region, especially for passengers travelling between the two countries.]]>