The government is targeting the movement of at least 200,000 commuters in the national capital, Accra, daily as part of plans to improve public transportation and ease traffic congestion.
Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, says the target will be achieved through an expanded public transport system, including the introduction of light trains across the city.
Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Tuesday, November 10, he said the Ayalolo buses currently deployed for counter-flow operations transport about 8,000 commuters daily.
“As we speak, the Ayalolo buses are moving eight thousand per day. But we need to move to a point where we are moving thirty thousand per day and even up to two hundred thousand per day. And the only thing that can assist us to do that won’t be buses; it has to be with the light rails,” the minister said.
He said the government intends to build on the existing arrangement by introducing light rail services to complement the buses and increase the number of people who can travel to and from work daily.
READ ALSO: Government explores light rail network on four major Accra routes – Mahama Ayariga
According to him, the proposed light train system will operate across different parts of Accra and provide an additional mass transportation option for commuters.
Mr Ayariga said the government believes that a combination of the Ayalolo bus service and the proposed light rail network will significantly increase the capacity of public transportation in the capital.
He explained that the long-term objective is to ensure that at least 200,000 people can be transported to and from work every day, reducing pressure on the city’s roads.
The Minister’s comments come amid government efforts to improve the efficiency of the Ayalolo bus service, particularly its counter-flow operations, which are intended to help commuters navigate heavy traffic during peak periods.
He also disclosed that the government plans to hand over between 30 and 40 motorbikes to the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) to strengthen surveillance and prevent private motorists from illegally joining Ayalolo bus convoys.
He said the police would increase monitoring at major intersections to ensure that only authorised vehicles benefit from the counter-flow arrangement.
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