The Aayalolo Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) service successfully transported approximately 8,000 passengers from Adenta to Accra on its first day of operation under a new contra-flow arrangement. This initiative, introduced to alleviate peak-hour congestion, operated between 0600 and 0800 hours. According to Mr. Awudu Dawuda, Managing Director of the Greater Accra Passenger Transport Executive (GAPTE), the contra-flow arrangement significantly reduced travel time on the Adenta-Accra corridor.
Under the new arrangement, buses completed the journey from Adenta to Accra in about 23 minutes, a substantial decrease from the usual two-and-a-half hours. Mr. Dawuda expressed satisfaction with the initial results, stating that the service was expected to maintain similar travel times during the evening peak. The contra-flow arrangement operates from 0600 to 0900 hours and 1600 to 2000 hours on specific corridors, including Amasaman-Accra, Adenta-Accra, and Kasoa-Accra.
Designated lanes are reserved exclusively for authorised Ayalolo buses, while private vehicles, taxis, trotros, and other unauthorised vehicles are prohibited from using them. This measure aims to streamline traffic flow and reduce congestion. Mr. Dawuda emphasised that the initiative focuses on moving people rather than buses, adding that it has also reduced passenger congestion at some bus stops.
The GAPTE Managing Director urged commuters and motorists to embrace the arrangement as the authorities identify and address challenges to improve its operation. He noted that this intervention is a pioneering traffic management principle in easing congestion in Greater Accra. The authorities are committed to refining the service to ensure its continued effectiveness.
The contra-flow arrangement is a collaborative effort by the Ghanaian authorities to improve public transportation and mitigate traffic congestion in the Greater Accra region. By providing a reliable and efficient service, the Aayalolo BRT aims to enhance the commuting experience for thousands of passengers. The authorities have expressed optimism about the potential long-term benefits of this initiative.
Key stakeholders, including commuters and motorists, are encouraged to cooperate with the authorities to ensure the success of the contra-flow arrangement. The GAPTE Managing Director emphasised the importance of public support in refining the service and addressing any challenges that may arise. The authorities are committed to engaging with stakeholders to ensure the continued improvement of the Aayalolo BRT service.
The Aayalolo BRT service has made a positive impact on the daily commute of thousands of passengers in the Greater Accra region. With its efficient and reliable service, the Aayalolo BRT is poised to become a vital component of Ghana's public transportation system. The authorities will continue to monitor the service and make adjustments as necessary to ensure its continued success.
Key points
- The Aayalolo Bus Rapid Transit service transported 8,000 passengers on its first day of operation under a new contra-flow arrangement.
- The contra-flow arrangement reduced travel time on the Adenta-Accra corridor to 23 minutes from two-and-a-half hours.
- The initiative focuses on moving people rather than buses and has reduced passenger congestion at some bus stops.
