Weeks after the landmark inauguration of the Unique Transport Service System (UTSCO) by President Alhaji Dr Yahya Jammeh, Daily Observer explored the impact of the company on the transport needs of the ordinary people. With a fleet of 31 buses, the company currently covers the busiest routes in urban Gambia, and some parts of the countryside.

Along the trans-Gambia highway, it covers as far as Kalaji in Foni, taking off from Brikama in the Western Region. As a matter of fact, Kalaji happens to be the border settlement separating Lower Region from Western Region. The ultimate goal of the transport company, accordingly, is to provide not only affordable but also easy and accessible transportation facilities for every  Gambian. The UTSCO is working ardently to reach the length and breadth of the country.

On departure from the depot at MSA in Kotu, the buses take to their routes, four vehicles running from West Field to Tabokoto; four running between Banjul and West Field; one between Brikama and the AU Junction, via Old Yundum. And on the northern bank, commuters between Barra and Amdalai, Farafenni and Wassu, all have access to a bus plying these routes.

In its efforts to ensure that it lives up to the aspirations of the Gambian leader, UTSC is keen on maintaining its position as the most affordable transport service provider in the country, with students having the most privileged treatment. Regardless of their destination, students, provided that they are in uniform, are required to pay only D5, and the buses would take them up to their school, no matter the distance. For students, there is in fact more to it than this; they can buy a month’s long bus pass for D180; and with this, any student can use UTCS buses as frequently as possible – 7 days a week.

With a hotline (7477888) available 24hrs round the clock, UTSC seeks to provide an additional privilege unheard of in many countries in the sub-region. Passengers are not only privileged to convey complaints, feedback or suggestions but, for the first time in the history of this country, stranded passengers can also call the attention of the authorities in case of the presence of a large number of people in an isolated area, who might want a bus sent for them. The idea is to provide standby buses for people who want the services of the buses outside their normal operational routes. And this is extended to those that would want to charter these buses -be they on journeys within or outside The Gambia.

However, for those wanting to hire UTSC buses for journeys within the country, they would only need to place at least 24hrs notice for the authorities; while those wanting to venture outside The Gambia only have to give 72 hours notice.
we produce extracts of what the people themselves say about UTSCO. Please, read on.