The management of Pacesetter Transport Services (PTS) is taking a firm stance against internal theft, vowing to sanction staff caught stealing company property.
This comes after several staff were apprehended for various acts of pilfering, including the theft of rims and tires from Ashock Layland buses last week. One staff member has reportedly absconded to avoid arrest.
The Chairman and Sole Administrator, Hon. Salami Dikko, announced on Saturday that about 73 rims, with an estimated value of over 150,000 each, were stolen by three company vulcanizers.
In addition to the stolen rilms, other staff members, including drivers, have been caught stealing diesel and collecting cash fares without issuing receipts through the Card Payment System. They were Olalekan Ismaila, Soliu Isiaka, Ademola Adewusi Joseph, among others.
Those apprehended have been handed over to the police, and efforts are underway to apprehend those who are still at large.
Among those identified are Mustopha Soliu and Toheeb Rasheed, who were caught with the stolen rims and tires. While Toheeb Adeshina Adeyinka is the individual who absconded.
Furthermore, Bello Musbahudeen was caught stealing engine oil, while Azeez Aliu and Olaiya Abayomi were apprehended attempting to steal seals from bus tanks.
A driver, identified as Akeem Amole, was also caught siphoning diesel from a bus tank last Tuesday at the frontage of recreation club along Adamasigba stadium.
Hon. Dikko emphasized that PTS is committed to supporting Governor Seyi Makinde’s SAfER initiative by providing subsidized transport to alleviate economic hardship.
He warned that any acts of indiscipline that undermine this goal will not be tolerated. He further stated that under his leadership, theft and any actions that hinder PTS’s progress will not be tolerated, and those caught will face legal consequences.
Dikko highlighted PTS’s role as a vital service for Oyo residents amidst rising transport costs and the impact of fuel subsidy removal.
He noted that since assuming office in 2023, the company has seen significant expansion in fleet size, route coverage, digital innovation, and passenger numbers, all while maintaining affordable fares.
He wondered why any employee would resort to theft when the company is working to serve the public.
He also detailed technology upgrades, including electronic ticketing, digital payment platforms, GPS tracking, Fuel censor machine, CCTV surveillance, and enhanced passenger security, which have improved transparency, reduced revenue loss, and increased public trust.
According to him, PTS has also expanded its interstate operations, connecting Ibadan to cities like Lagos and Abuja, and has recently acquired new buses, including CNG-powered vehicles.
Dikko, however, affirmed his administration’s commitment to staff welfare, including regular salary and increment from 33,000-107,000, regular payment of running cost and allowances, as well as pension payments, workforce restructuring, and improved working conditions.
He reiterated his resolve to continue revamping PTS and vowed that any staff member found stealing will be prosecuted.
