The Gombe State Transport Service, popularly known as Gombe Line, has launched an online booking system today, February 16, 2026, following a report by Daily Episode.
You may recall that the report highlighted how images of victims from a Gombe-Kano bus incident were circulated online to aid identification, raising concerns about violations of victims’ privacy rights.
The report was produced under the DPI journalism fellowship programme of Media Foundation for West Africa, Ghana.
Although the transport service had announced plans for online booking as far back as December 17, the recent incident hastened deployment of the platform.
Muhammad Sani Usman, Head of Social Media at the transport service, described the launch as a major step toward digitalising public transportation in Gombe State.
“This initiative will enable passengers to conveniently book their seats (tickets) from the comfort of their homes ahead of their travel routes, ensuring ease, efficiency, and improved service delivery,” he said.
“The Gombe State Transport Services remains committed to innovation and providing safe, reliable, and modern transportation for the people of Gombe State.”
In a statement issued on February 3, 2026, Usman announced that the online booking platform would commence operations on February 16.
“Gombe State Transport Services (Gombe Line) is pleased to announce the commencement of its online booking platform starting 16th February 2026, he said.”
“Passengers can now conveniently book their trips anytime, anywhere safe, fast, and stress-free.’
As at press time, passengers can book trips only to and from Abuja via the official website, out of dozens of routes nationwide.
However, the digital system is expected to reduce challenges linked to poorly handwritten manifests, loss of passenger records and privacy breaches. Under the new process, passenger information will be securely stored and accessible only to authorised personnel.
Required details include name, phone number, next of kin and email address.
This digitisation currently affects only the Gombe Line, which represents just one segment of the state’s transport system. However, Shehu Usman, Deputy Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (Dankwambo Mega Park Bus Branch), said the union is aligning with modern trends, noting that plans are underway to introduce e-ticketing.
“We are planning to digitise our transport system as a union,” he said, adding that the move would improve accountability and passenger safety.
