The transformation of The Gambia into a vibrant economic and industrialized nation has always been the ambition of the leadership of this country.

Since his assumption of the mantle of leadership of this country, the president of the Republic, Professor Alhaji Dr Yahya Jammeh, has clearly been preoccupied with initiatives primarily aimed at solving seemingly insolvable problems. Two such very significant initiative which have caught our attention are the establishment of the Unique Transport Systems Company (UTSC) and the Kanilai Farm Bakery.

Situated along Kairaba Avenue, Kanilai Farm Bakery is now a household name among bread consumers. The popularity of the products of this bakery is clearly  explained in the magnitude of the  endless queues in front of the bakery, with buyers eagerly waiting for their share - from the morning up to the evening.

According to many frequent customers of the bakery, apart from the taste of the bread, its texture and preservative quality make it a unique product in the bread industry. The Gambia’s transport industry, until recently, had been grappling with all sorts of problems revolving mainly around issues of sustainability and consistencies on the part of private commercial vehicle owners. The result had always been that users of commercial transport facilities bear the brunt of all the problems.

But UTSCO, emerging out of a thoughtful scheme spearheaded by the Gambian leader, Professor Alhaji Dr Yahya Jammeh, serves as a cushion, having lifted quite a huge burden off the back of the hitherto troubled transport sector. An assessment of the feelings of commuters clearly indicated the impact the company has had so far. And latest reports reveal that an impressive one and half million people are ferried by the buses of UTSCO within the space of every 3 months. This, according to information gathered, is deduced from the number of tickets ordered within this period. This development is seen as a clear testimony of the impact the establishment of the company has had on the country’s transport sector.

A privately operated company inaugurated by President Jammeh during last year’s 22nd July celebrations, UTSCO employs 60 people. In al,l it has 31 buses which ply the following routes: Banjul-Westfield; Brikama express; Banjul-Yundum; Banjul-Tabokoto; Banjul-Banjulinding; Westfield-Lamin, as well as the Tipper Garage in Bakoteh. In the North Bank Region, the company operates along Laminkoto, Amdallai, Farafenni & Wassu, while in the South Bank it has another bus. There is a bus each for commuters going to Kartong and Jambanjelly in Kombo South.

There is also a substantial number of buses in reserve for any breakdown or emergency purposes. In addition, the company has vans with the capacity of 15 and 24 passengers, available for charter to any destination.

The Daily Observer also gathered information of a slight adjustment in the sitting arrangement of passengers in the UTSC buses. If you have ever used these buses, you will realise, on entering one, that the sitting arrangement is such that on the left side of the interior of the vehicle there are 2 seats joint together, while on the right side there are three seats joint together.

The new arrangement is such that students are now allocated the 2-seater section, while all other passengers will use the 3-seater section. This adjustment in seating arrangement, according to the authorities, is all geared towards ensuring the comfort of all passengers. The management also expressed unreserved commendation for the general public for their cooperation.