Government plans to build an Accra light rail commuters network integrated with expanded bus corridors to transport at least 200,000 workers across the capital daily, cutting severe traffic gridlock.
Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, outlined the urban mobility plan during an interview on Tuesday, November 10, explaining that buses alone cannot solve the city's transport deficit.
Buses Too Limited for Daily Demand
Ayariga revealed that the Ayalolo bus fleet currently serving dedicated counter-flow lanes carries roughly 8,000 commuters per day.
While the ministry aims to scale bus capacity to 30,000 passengers daily, reaching the ultimate goal of 200,000 requires heavy rail infrastructure.
"As we speak, the Ayalolo buses are moving eight thousand per day. But we need to move to a point where we are moving thirty thousand per day and even up to two hundred thousand per day.
"And the only thing that can assist us to do that won't be buses; it has to be with the light rails." - Hon. Ayariga
Police to Crack Down on Lane Abusers
Alongside long-term light rail plans, government is acting to protect existing bus corridors from private motorists who illegally cut into dedicated Ayalolo lanes during rush hour.
Ayariga disclosed that government will deliver between 30 and 40 motorbikes to the Police Motor Traffic and Transport Department to enforce strict lane compliance.
The police will deploy mobile motorcycle units at major intersections across Accra to stop unauthorized drivers from joining Ayalolo convoys, ensuring dedicated public transit runs without delays.
READ ALSO: DDEP Bond Trading Surges 265% as Ghana Stock Exchange Edges Higher
