Omanghana
The Greater Accra Passenger Transport Executive has repaired and returned 48 previously grounded Aayalolo buses to service as part of efforts to improve public transportation across the capital.
The deployment increases GAPTE’s active fleet in the Greater Accra Region from 80 to 128 buses.
GAPTE Managing Director Awudu Dawuda announced the expansion during an operational assessment visit by the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, to the Aayalolo terminal at Madina.
The visit allowed the minister to assess the transport service’s operations, fleet capacity and some of the challenges affecting the efficient movement of buses along Accra’s major roads.
The restored buses are expected to operate on some of the capital’s busiest transit corridors, including routes serving Madina, Achimota and Kinbu.
Their deployment is intended to increase passenger capacity and reduce waiting times, particularly during the morning and evening peak periods when demand for public transportation is highest.
The additional buses are also expected to improve service frequency and provide commuters with a more reliable alternative to private vehicles and smaller commercial transport services.
Officials believe an expanded and dependable public bus system could help reduce the number of vehicles entering Accra’s busiest areas, contributing to efforts to address persistent congestion.
However, traffic conditions remain a major challenge to the efficient operation of the Aayalolo service. Buses often become trapped in the same congestion as private and commercial vehicles, increasing journey times and limiting the number of trips they can complete.
During the assessment, Ayariga discussed possible traffic-management measures to improve bus movement and turnaround times.
Among the options under consideration is the introduction of dedicated transit lanes during peak hours. Such lanes could give public buses priority on selected corridors, allowing them to move passengers more quickly and complete more trips.
The proposal would require coordination among transport authorities, metropolitan assemblies, road agencies and the Ghana Police Service to ensure effective implementation and enforcement.
The addition of the 48 repaired buses marks an important step towards restoring the capacity of the Aayalolo system and improving mass transportation within the Greater Accra Region.
GAPTE is expected to continue monitoring the performance of the expanded fleet while assessing passenger demand, maintenance requirements and conditions along the selected routes.
Authorities hope the deployment will enhance the daily commuting experience, improve accessibility and support the development of a more efficient public transport network across Accra.
Source: Omanghana
