Metro Transport Company (MTC) Ltd, a newly formed transportation company is set to make available to the public in February the 50 buses that were recently purchased through a World Bank project.

This disclosure was made during the Epic Radio Morning Show by the Drivers Union, Poda-Poda owners, and other players.

The buses will be operated by Metro and are currently in town while discussions around the route and other formalities are being finalized.

According to the Secretary-General to the Board of the company, Thomas Barnett, he stated they are in preparations to ensure that the first week in February when the buses will start operation, they will be ready to be on the road.

MTC is an indigenous transport company that will be running the buses. The buses are part of the $ 50 million World Bank-sponsored Integrated and Resilient Urban Mobility project. The buses have a specially designated route from the East End and from the West End, both terminating at the central business district.

The project’s pilot will see buses run through these pre-determined routes using a new system.

While speaking, Drivers Union Public Relations Officer, Mohamed Kaindaneh-Conteh said the standard of professionalism for MTC buses will be much higher.

He added that the few members of the motor Drivers Union who would be fortunate to enroll in this new transport system would be benefiting a lot as they would be introducing to them a new driving system that will be more professional within the standard of working labor time and their benefits would be achievable as compared to private drivers with informal employment schemes.

For decades, Transportation is a major challenge in the capital city of Freetown, with over 2 million residents who largely depend on public transportation to move through the city. The sector is largely controlled by private players, including the newly established MTC.