As part of efforts to provide sustainable solutions to recent transportation disruptions, government has engaged key state-owned transport companies to assess their operational challenges and capacity needs.
Speaking after visits to Metro Mass Transit Ltd. and the Greater Accra Passenger Transport Executive (GAPTE), managers of the Ayalolo service, Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang said the engagements were aimed at understanding the realities facing public transport providers and identifying areas requiring urgent support.
She disclosed that President John Dramani Mahama has assured both institutions of government’s readiness to support them with new, high-occupancy vehicles to enhance capacity and strengthen nationwide operations.
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At Metro Mass Transit Ltd., management revealed that the company is currently operating at only about 60 per cent of its total vehicle capacity, with a significant portion of its fleet in critical condition.
Although Metro Mass currently runs approximately 400 buses across the country, leadership acknowledged that the growing population and rising demand for public transport have far outpaced available resources.
It was also noted that the company has not received major fleet additions over the years, a factor contributing to current operational pressures.
Government, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang said, is committed to removing constraints limiting Metro Mass from reaching its full potential and will provide the necessary support to restore and expand its fleet to improve service delivery.
At GAPTE, discussions centered on the urgent need for retooling and revitalisation of operations.
The Ayalolo initiative, introduced to strengthen urban mobility and reduce congestion, remains a critical component of public transport in the Greater Accra Region. Management shared plans to revamp the Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) system, originally designed to provide reliable and efficient mass transit.
It was also revealed that GAPTE has successfully reclaimed key terminals previously lost, a development expected to improve operational efficiency.
The Ayalolo service continues to play an important role in easing the burden on commuters, offering fares estimated to be about 20 per cent lower than regular public transport options.
Government acknowledged the challenges commuters are facing and reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with both state-owned and private transport operators to expand capacity and ensure that public transport users across Ghana are treated with care and dignity.
