Contra-flow system for Aayalolo to ease traffic delays to be assessed to improve service

The Greater Accra Passenger Transport Executive (GAPTE) is now evaluating the potential implementation of a contra-flow system to enhance Aayalolo bus operations and alleviate traffic congestion on primary routes. This assessment, conducted in partnership with the Ghana Police Service's Motor Traffic and Transport Department and other stakeholders, is currently underway along the Kinbu-Adenta corridor.

GAPTE Managing Director, Daouda Awudu, emphasized that the study aims to evaluate how a contra-flow configuration could enable Aayalolo buses to navigate routes plagued by traffic bottlenecks, thereby delivering more efficient transportation services. The proposed system may encompass the utilization of a lane specifically designated for Aayalolo buses during periods of unused road capacity on the reverse side of the highway, enabling the buses to traverse against the conventional direction of traffic flow.

Awudu clarified that this arrangement should not be misconstrued as employing motorcycles to escort buses, as such a scenario would not constitute a contra-flow system. A pilot trial along the Kinbu-Adenta route previously revealed promising outcomes, with journey times considerably reduced from approximately two hours to around 45 minutes.

Awudu noted that the proposed contra-flow system, combined with dedicated bus lanes, would facilitate the deployment of 126 newly repaired Aayalolo buses while mitigating the risk of delays for these vehicles. The GAPTE Managing Director highlighted that the ongoing feasibility study would also identify potential risks associated with operating the system and propose measures to mitigate such challenges.

The outcome of the assessment will be presented to the Transport Ministry for consideration, with implementation contingent upon its viability.