Gambia Transport Service Company has announced a significant increase in bus operations ahead of the Tobaski celebrations, with more than 70 buses expected to depart daily as thousands of Gambians prepare to travel to their hometowns and villages.

Amadou Drammeh said the state transport company is intensifying preparations to handle the annual holiday rush, which traditionally sees heavy passenger movement across the country.

“GTSC is a household name in this country,” Mr. Drammeh said. “We are a public transport company that ferries everybody to their destination depending on their choice.”

He explained that the Tobaski season always places enormous pressure on the transport sector as families travel to reunite with relatives for the Islamic feast.

“Everybody wants to go back to their villages to celebrate with family members, especially during Tobaski,” he said.

According to him, the company is expanding from its usual daily deployment of about 20 buses on key provincial routes by adding roughly 50 more vehicles to cope with the increased demand.

Mr. Drammeh attributed the steady rise in passenger numbers to the public’s confidence in GTSC’s services, particularly its structured scheduling system and comparatively affordable fares.

“We have built trust with the people. When they come to GTSC, they know their journey is guaranteed,” he noted.

To ensure passenger safety during the busy period, he revealed that all buses undergo technical inspections after every trip, while additional engineering checks have been introduced specifically for the Tobaski operations.

He said GTSC would also introduce extra departures every 30 minutes between its regular hourly schedules to reduce overcrowding and delays.

“I can comfortably tell you that on a daily basis we will have 70 buses leaving,” he stated, adding that the engineering department has certified the fleet for safe operations.

Mr. Drammeh reaffirmed the company’s commitment to transporting passengers safely and efficiently so families can celebrate the Tobaski holiday in peace and comfort.

By Adama Makasuba