Attempts to implement a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system in the country as a solution to traffic congestion have proven to be unsuccessful. Despite the efforts of both the Mahama and Akufo-Addo administrations, the implementation of this public transportation structure has been slow and ineffective.
The BRT system, known as 'Aayalolo', which means "we're still on our way" in Ga, has not fulfilled its purpose. Many of the buses have been abandoned and left exposed to the elements for years. The Greater Accra Passenger Transport Executive (GAPTE), the operators of the buses, are struggling to manage the fleet and bear the associated costs.
Visiting the Achimota New Station, where the buses are parked, the TV3 news team observed weeds growing between the concrete tiles. Nearby residents, traders, and workers have even turned a wire mesh fence into drying lines, further highlighting the lack of use and maintenance of the buses.
The operation of the buses faces several major challenges. One of the key issues is the encroachment of some terminals by mini-bus drivers, known as 'trotro'. Despite previous efforts by GAPTE to sensitize these drivers, the problem persists, significantly impacting the effectiveness of the BRT system.
The Minister of Transport, Kwaku Ofori Asiamah, acknowledged the challenges facing the 'Aayalolo' buses during a media encounter in March. He highlighted the high cost of operations, maintenance, and traffic congestion in the national capital as major obstacles. The Minister also admitted that the current model of running the buses in Ghana is not working and has not yielded the desired results.
As a result, the Ministry of Transport is collaborating with the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development, and Decentralisation, as well as other stakeholders, to develop a new model for revitalizing the operations of the transport company. It has been concluded that the 'Aayalolo' system needs to be reevaluated and a more effective approach needs to be implemented.
In summary, the attempts to replicate a Bus Rapid Transit system in the country have faced numerous challenges and have not been successful in reducing traffic congestion. The 'Aayalolo' buses have been abandoned and left to deteriorate, while the operators struggle with the costs of managing the fleet. Encroachment by mini-bus drivers and high operational costs have further hindered the effectiveness of the system. The Ministry of Transport is working on developing a new model to revive the operations of the transport company, acknowledging that the current approach is not working.
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