Accra officials propose dedicated bus lanes to improve transport efficiency

Officials and former leadership in Accra are advocating for the introduction of dedicated bus lanes to improve public transport efficiency and reduce traffic congestion. Alex Johnson, Director of Transport at the Accra Metropolitan Assembly, stated that dedicated lanes for Aayalolo buses during peak hours could reduce operating costs by approximately 30% and increase revenue by up to 45% by minimizing time lost in traffic.

Johnson noted that the Greater Accra Passenger Transport Executive has collected sufficient data to support this transition. This follows a proposal by the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, to implement these lanes to make services more reliable for commuters.

Former Accra Mayor Mohammed Adjei Sowah also supported the move, suggesting that reserving one lane on major roads for high-occupancy vehicles would be more effective than relying on smaller vehicles like trotros. He identified the Accra-Adenta stretch as a viable location for such a system, noting that existing five-lane configurations could accommodate a dedicated lane without major new construction. Sowah emphasized that success would require strong political commitment and coordinated enforcement from the Ministry of Roads and Highways and the police.