Accra public transport lane implementation

Accra officials and transport leadership have proposed the introduction of dedicated bus lanes to improve public transport efficiency and mitigate traffic congestion. Alex Johnson, Director of Transport at the Accra Metropolitan Assembly, indicated that dedicated lanes for Aayalolo buses during peak hours could potentially reduce operating costs by 30% and increase revenue by up to 45% by minimizing time lost in traffic.

Following these proposals, the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs announced the implementation of a contra-flow traffic arrangement for Ayalolo Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) services. Effective September 29, 2026, this pilot program allows authorized Ayalolo buses to travel against the normal direction of traffic on designated road sections to improve reliability and punctuality. The initiative covers the Amasaman, Pokuase, Adenta, and Kasoa corridors, operating during peak hours from 6:00 am to 9:00 am and 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

Initial implementation data shows significant immediate impact. On the first day of service, the Greater Accra Passenger Transport Executive (GAPTE) reported that travel time between Adenta and Accra was reduced from approximately two and a half hours to just 23 minutes, with roughly 8,000 passengers utilizing the service during the morning session. GAPTE Managing Director Awudu Dawuda noted that the focus is on “moving people efficiently rather than just moving buses.”

Despite these early gains, transport experts have raised concerns regarding long-term sustainability. Citing a 2017 World Bank evaluation that rated previous BRT efforts as “Unsatisfactory” due to institutional challenges and cost overruns, experts suggest that the program’s success depends on meeting specific infrastructure and reform prerequisites.