The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) says the introduction of the electronic bus system will not have any major severe impact on their activities.
The industrial relations officer for the GPRTU, Abass Imoro, argued that it is a matter of choice and passengers would have to decide whether to go for the regular trotro or the newly launched electric buses.
On Wednesday, November 27, 2024, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia unveiled the first 100 electric buses (EVs) for Metro Mass Transit (MMT) Limited.
This initiative is part of the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia administration’s strategy to modernise, innovate, and transform the country’s public transportation system.
The buses were also brought in to help reduce transport costs by 40 to 50 percent.
When asked if the buses brought in would have any negative impact on the GPRTU’s operations, Mr. Imoro said that there would be none.
He stated on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM’s Nyankonton Mu Nsem that, as a developing country, this is good news that everyone should appreciate.
”This is something new that we have welcomed. We all want to grow, so this is good. However, some people have called to express concern about the potential impact of the GPRTU’s activities, as the electric buses were introduced to reduce transport costs by 40%. If you decide to charge a fare that is 40% less than the regular fare, that is perfectly fine. We want everyone to know that some people have never used trotro as a mode of transportation. In extreme circumstances, they rely on private cars or taxis. Then there are those who have never ridden in a taxi before and have only used Troto their entire lives.
So this will not jeopardise our work. It will have no negative impact on our work whatsoever. Allow me to use this scenario. If you stay in Adenta and want to travel to Accra, it is up to you whether you prefer to wait for an electric car from Adenta to Accra. Those who want to travel to Accra by trotro will also have that option. The electric cars will operate, as will our other drivers.”
Meanwhile, he has stated that they would appreciate it if they were handed some of the buses to operate under the GPRTU.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
