The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, has called for renewed efforts to transform the Aayalolo Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system into a faster, more reliable and attractive public transport option for commuters in the Greater Accra Region.
According to the Minister, improving the efficiency of the Aayalolo system is critical to addressing the persistent traffic congestion that continues to affect movement within Accra, particularly during peak hours.
Mr. Ayariga made the call during a working visit to the Greater Accra Passenger Transport Executive (GAPTE), where he assessed the operations of the Aayalolo system and discussed possible interventions to improve urban mobility.
He stressed that for the BRT system to attract more motorists and commuters, it must offer a clear and practical advantage over the use of private vehicles.
He said commuters should be able to rely on Aayalolo buses for faster and more predictable journeys, especially during periods when major roads in the capital experience severe congestion.
As part of efforts to improve the speed and efficiency of the service, the Minister proposed exploring the introduction of dedicated lanes for Aayalolo buses along selected major routes during peak periods.
He, however, indicated that such a measure would have to be subjected to technical assessment and consultations with relevant stakeholders before implementation.
The proposal is intended to ensure that buses are able to move more efficiently through congested areas, thereby reducing travel times and making public transportation a more competitive alternative to private cars.
A more efficient BRT system, the Minister suggested, could encourage motorists to leave their vehicles at home and use public transport, potentially reducing the number of private cars on already congested roads.
Mr. Ayariga also emphasised that solving Accra’s traffic challenges would require more than improvements to the Aayalolo system.
He called for a broader and coordinated approach involving efficient public transportation, better urban planning, the development of alternative road networks and increased investment by Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs).
He noted that local authorities have an important role to play in shaping urban mobility through infrastructure development and planning decisions that respond to the growing population and transportation needs of communities.
The Minister’s position underscores the need for public transport systems to be integrated into broader urban development strategies rather than treated as standalone projects.
Mr. Ayariga reaffirmed the government’s commitment to developing efficient and sustainable urban transport systems capable of improving mobility and reducing congestion.
He said strengthening public transportation would ultimately contribute to improving the quality of life of citizens by making daily commuting more convenient, predictable and affordable.
The proposed measures are expected to form part of broader discussions on improving the performance of Aayalolo and addressing the transportation challenges confronting Accra.
For the BRT system to realise its full potential, however, sustained attention to operational efficiency, infrastructure, route management and coordination among relevant agencies will be essential.
The Minister’s working visit to GAPTE therefore signals renewed attention to the role of Aayalolo in Ghana’s efforts to build a more efficient urban transport system and tackle the growing challenge of traffic congestion in the capital.
By 1960news.com
