Plateau Govt Unveils Virtual Ticketing, Mobile Payments For Commuters

Plateau State Government has announced the deployment of a technology-driven public transport upgrade under the Tincity Metro 2.0 scheme, introducing virtual ticketing, mobile payments and real-time bus tracking for commuters in Jos and Bukuru metropolis.

The group managing director of Plateau Express Services Ltd., Samuel Gwott, confirmed the development in an interview with LEADERSHIP in Jos at the weekend .

He said the initiative represents a major shift in the state’s approach to public transportation and aligns Plateau with emerging smart mobility trends across Nigeria.

“The launch of Tincity Metro 2.0 marks a transformational milestone for public transportation in Plateau State,” Gwott said.

He explained that unlike traditional systems dependent on cash transactions and manual queuing, the new model incorporates a mobile application available on both Android and iOS platforms.

The app enables passengers to create virtual transport cards, top up wallets, view routes and monitor bus arrival times.

Gwott noted that the real-time tracking feature is expected to reduce passenger waiting time and improve trip planning, particularly during peak hours.

“With virtual cards, online top-up, multiple payment options and GPS-enabled route visibility, this upgrade reflects our commitment to making mobility smart, accessible and user-centric,” he added.

He said physical cards remain available for commuters who prefer non-digital options, but added that the redesigned card now has tap-and-go contactless functionality for faster onboarding and better durability.

The Plateau Express Services boss disclosed that the upgraded system will operate expanded routes covering major residential, health, commercial and educational corridors. Some of the new routes include Terminus–Mararaban Jama’a, Kugiya–JUTH, and Rayfield–Dogon Karfe.

He added that more routes will be introduced as the fleet grows.

The Metro 2.0 rollout builds on the first phase of the scheme, which Gwott said recorded more than 2.5 million passenger trips.

He stated that beyond transport convenience, the new digital platform is expected to support long-term planning through transport data analytics, while promoting a cashless ecosystem and reducing operational leakages.

According to him, the initiative falls under the state’s broader urban mobility reform agenda aimed at modernizing transportation infrastructure and reducing dependence on informal transport systems.

Gwott said the new buses will commence full operations once system testing and digital onboarding of new users are completed.