Ghanaians enjoy free rides as rapid buses hit the streets of Accra

 

Accra residents woke up to free rides in Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) locally known as ‘Ayaalolo’ buses following the project’s launch today in the morning reports Citi fm.

“This is a test run so from today to Friday; the bus rides will be free. We’ll also undertake a mass education programme in the coming weeks,” Roland Bruce, the PRO of the Greater Accra Passenger Transport Executive told Accra-based Citi FM.

The new bus transport system has kicked off the pilot phase which has started with four routes in the city of Accra but will later be extended to other parts of the country.

“We are piloting 85 buses from Amasaman to Tudu for about a year. There are USB ports in the BRT buses so passengers can charge their phones. The buses have 40 seats and space for 45 people to stand. We are giving colour codes to the buses; blue strips for Ofankor to Tudu, Achimota-Tudu has a charcoal colour strip.” Said Roland

BRT service is expected to bring relief to Ghanaian commuters and that’s why it was still introduced even after some commercial drivers in Accra threatened to go on strike in protest against the introduction of the new transport system claiming it will drive them out of business.

The BRT managers said that they will be engaging the transport unions in dialogues in ordered to collaborate with them and understand that the new transport will supplement the transport services in Accra.