Solomon Dartey

NOW THE BUSES ARE IN.
My take as a citizen of Ghana.
No Business as Usual. Posterity will not be kind if these are not well maintained.

Metro Mass Buses: Flooding Major Routes Responsibly
Mr. President John Dramani Mahama, thank you for your leadership. Your directive to the Minister of Transport to fast-track the arrival of the 100 buses, and to prioritize major routes for the benefit of the ordinary Ghanaian is commendable.
I offer the following suggestions, unsolicited but well-intentioned, in the hope that they help maximize the impact and longevity of this initiative.

1. Strategic Deployment (Flood Responsibly):
The buses should operate on a smart schedule aligned with peak commuter hours:
5:00am – 8:00am: Full deployment on major routes (morning rush)
9:00am – 3:00pm: Reduced presence; drivers rest and vehicles are serviced
4:00pm – 8:00pm: Full deployment again (evening rush)
This approach ensures the masses are served when they need it most, while reducing wastage during off-peak hours when commuters tend to prefer smaller vehicles.

2. Double Drivers Per Bus:
Given the heavy traffic on routes such as Accra–Madina–Dodowa, Accra–Madina–Oyarifa, Accra–Kaneshie–Kasoa, and Madina–Lapaz–Kasoa, assigning two drivers per bus would allow them to alternate at destinations, reducing fatigue and improving safety. A survey of drivers and passengers on these corridors would confirm the need.

3. Strict Maintenance Culture with Accountability:
Servicing must be a non-negotiable priority. Those responsible for maintenance should be held accountable and the liability should begin with the driver, not just management. A well-maintained vehicle does not strand its passengers. This principle should be institutionalized.

4. Dedicated Bus Lanes:
Special lanes should be designated for Metro Mass buses on major routes. A bus serving hundreds of commuters deserves road priority.
I pray this unsolicited counsel is considered in good faith. Let us preserve and sustain this splendid vision of mass public transportation for Ghana.

God bless our homeland Ghana. 🇬🇭



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