We are bringing 60 buses to Accra – Acting GAPTE MD

We are bringing back 60 Ayalolo buses sent to Kumasi to revive the Bus Rapid Transit system in Accra, Acting (GAPTE) Greater Accra Passenger Transport Executive, Managing Director Awudu Dawudu has announced.

He said the decision is part of efforts to restore efficiency to the troubled Ayalolo service after years of operational setbacks.

According to him, the redistribution of buses following the change of government severely weakened the original Bus Rapid Transit, (BRT) model.

“When the NDC lost power and the new administration took over, 16 of those buses were sent to the Ashanti Region. Some went to Tamale, others to Takoradi, and the rest were left in Greater Accra,” Mr Dawudu explained.

He noted that the BRT concept required strict operational conditions to function properly.

“Once we say BRT, Bus Rapid Transport, it means you must go at a top speed. You must have a special designed corridor for which these buses could ply,” he said, adding that the system was designed to move passengers quickly without being trapped in traffic.

Mr Dawudu said the problems began around 2016 and 2017 when a policy shift undermined the dedicated lanes meant exclusively for the Ayalolo buses.

“We never had this problem until the previous government gave a directive that the dedicated lanes could be used by any private user. That started the trouble,” he stated.

According to him, the loss of exclusive lanes slowed operations, reduced reliability and discouraged commuters who initially embraced the service as a faster alternative within the city.

He disclosed that government has now taken steps to reverse the situation by consolidating control of the buses and restoring proper management structures.

“We have gone for the 60 buses in Kumasi to be brought under the management of GAPTE,” Mr Dawudu said.

He credited recent collaboration with the Transport Ministry for making the move possible. “With the help of the sector minister, we have been able to get those buses back to Accra to revamp the system,” he added.

The Acting GAPTE MD said the return of the buses is expected to significantly improve capacity and reliability, particularly at a time when commuters face long waits and rising fares on several routes.

He expressed confidence that restoring the original BRT principles, including proper lane discipline and centralized management, will help rebuild public confidence in the Ayalolo service and ease pressure on Accra’s overstretched transport network.