Make Aayalolo reliable and commuters will patronise it – Minister

Minister Mahama Ayariga of Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs emphasized that the success of the Aayalolo Bus Rapid Transit system hinges on its dependability for daily commuters. He noted that other jurisdictions have gained commuters' trust through reliable bus schedules. During a tour of the Greater Accra Passenger Transport Executive (GAPTE–Ayalolo), Ayariga inspected the fleet's size and condition, engaging management about adding more buses to enhance transportation in Ghana's cities.

For Aayalolo to attract more riders and ease congestion, it must become as dependable as other successful rapid transit systems, such as those found in major urban centers like Greater Accra, Greater Kumasi, and Sekondi-Takoradi. The rapid population growth in these cities necessitates an efficient, dependable mass transit system.

While long-term plans include expanding road networks and decentralized economic activities, an immediate solution is required. Rapid buses should not remain congested with regular vehicles. Ayariga intends to collaborate with ministers of Roads and Highways, Transport, and Interior, along with the Ghana Police Service's Motor Traffic and Transport Department, to explore measures that could make the service faster and more dependable, such as allocating specific lanes for Aayalolo buses during peak hours and implementing effective traffic management.

He clarified that these ideas are preliminary and would be discussed with relevant stakeholders and technical authorities. A well-designed system with predictable schedules can encourage commuters to use public transport instead of private vehicles, ultimately reducing congestion. The goal is to establish a service commuters can rely on, with reliability being crucial to gaining public confidence.

Ayariga also stressed that making buses genuinely rapid would improve the financial efficiency of the operation by reducing time spent in traffic and increasing the number of trips. The government will also encourage metropolitan, municipal, and district assemblies in major urban areas to invest in the service, as public transportation is a vital local authority responsibility.