Introduction

Ghana’s urban transport system, particularly in Accra, is often perceived as suffering from a simple shortage of buses. However, transportation experts and policy analysts argue that merely increasing the number of buses will not address the deeper, structural issues plaguing the system. This article delves into the complexities of Ghana’s urban transit challenges, exploring why a “procurement-first” approach is insufficient and what sustainable solutions might look like.

Key Points

Background

The Urban Growth Challenge

Greater Accra has become the economic hub of Ghana, attracting jobs, businesses, and public services at a rapid pace. However, urban planning and infrastructure development have not kept up with this growth. The result is high population density, extended commutes, and overburdened transport corridors. The transport system is strained by pressures originating from housing markets, land management issues, and national economic policies.

Current State of Public Transport

Ghana’s urban transport is largely dominated by informal operators, often referred to as “tro-tros.” These minibuses and shared taxis fill the gap left by insufficient formal public transport services. While they provide essential mobility, their operations are frequently chaotic, unregulated, and unreliable. The government’s focus on increasing the bus fleet through entities like Metro Mass Transit Limited (MMT) has not addressed the root causes of inefficiency and congestion.

Analysis

The Mathematics of Congestion

Urban transport efficiency is governed by the principles of supply and demand, particularly the scarcity of road space. When roads are treated as a free, unregulated resource, each additional vehicle contributes to congestion, reducing overall system efficiency. Average travel speeds drop, operational costs rise, and journey times increase, leading to passenger dissatisfaction and financial strain on operators.

Public vs. Private Operators

Publicly owned transport fleets in Ghana often suffer from poor procurement practices, lack of accountability, and political interference. These factors result in higher costs and lower reliability compared to well-managed private operators. Subsidies intended to be temporary often become permanent, straining public finances without delivering sustainable improvements.

The Myth of Fleet-Led Reform

Proposals to revive local bus assembly or expand state-owned fleets are appealing from an economic nationalism perspective. However, they overlook critical constraints such as unpredictable demand, underutilized vehicles, and inadequate maintenance. Without disciplined route management and enforcement, locally assembled buses are likely to face the same operational challenges as imported ones.

Innovation and Sustainability

While electric buses and other green technologies offer environmental benefits, they do not inherently solve congestion or efficiency issues. True sustainability in urban transport depends on maximizing passenger throughput and system reliability, not just the type of vehicle used.

Practical Advice

Formalizing Informal Transit

Instead of attempting to replace informal transit operators, integrating them into a regulated framework can yield significant benefits. Strategies include:

• Route Franchising: Assigning specific routes to operators to reduce competition and improve service reliability.
• Minimal Service Standards: Enforcing basic requirements for vehicle condition, driver behavior, and schedule adherence.
• Digital Fare Collection: Implementing electronic payment systems to enhance transparency and reduce fare evasion.
• Performance-Based Licensing: Linking operator licenses to service quality metrics.

Implementing Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)

BRT systems can provide the efficiency and capacity of rail transit at a fraction of the cost. Key features include:

• Dedicated Lanes: Reserving specific lanes for buses to avoid general traffic congestion.
• Platform Boarding: Designing stations to allow quick and safe passenger boarding.
• Prepaid Fares: Reducing boarding times and improving flow.

Successful BRT systems rely heavily on strict enforcement of traffic regulations to maintain efficiency.

Improving Infrastructure and Enforcement

Simple but effective measures can significantly enhance urban transport efficiency:

• Enforced Loading Bays: Designating specific areas for passenger pick-up and drop-off to reduce chaos.
• Optimized Traffic Signals: Using smart traffic lights to improve traffic flow.
• Redesigned Intersections: Modifying key junctions to reduce bottlenecks.
• Disciplined Terminals: Organizing bus terminals to prevent spontaneous and unregulated stops.

Enhancing Passenger Experience

Improving the passenger experience is not just about comfort but also about economic sustainability. Reliable services increase fare compliance, while safety and convenience boost ridership. Neglecting passenger needs can lead to fare evasion and a decline in system usage.

FAQ

Conclusion

Ghana’s urban transport crisis cannot be resolved by simply adding more buses to the fleet. The solution lies in addressing structural issues such as urban planning, traffic management, and governance. Formalizing informal transit operations, implementing Bus Rapid Transit systems, and improving infrastructure and enforcement are critical steps toward a sustainable and efficient urban transport system. Political will and strategic planning are essential to transform Ghana’s urban mobility and ensure that every new bus contributes to a well-ordered, effective transport network rather than adding to the existing chaos.