The Public Relations Officer for the Aayalolo Bus Rapid Transit System (BRT), Kweku Justice Safo, has explained that buses operating under the initiative were specifically designed to accommodate more standing passengers than seated ones.
His clarification comes in response to public concerns raised over the frequent overcrowding observed on the vehicles.
He disclosed that each bus is equipped with 40 passenger seats, while the designated capacity for standing passengers ranges between 45 and 46.
According to him, the design concept was intended for rapid transit operations to minimise travel times along major traffic corridors.
He added that in situations where commuters are informed that a vehicle has reached capacity, many still force their way inside, citing urgency to reach their places of work or destinations.
“The Aayalolo buses each have 40 seats. Aside from that, the designated standees are between 45 and 46. So the standees are more than the passenger seats,” Mr Safo explained. “The buses were built in a way that those who would stand will be more than those sitting, because it was believed that the buses are rapid transport buses and do not have to stay longer in traffic.”
He continued: “In some situations, the passengers defy our directive that the buses are full, claiming they are either late for work or have no alternative means of transport. We cannot leave them behind, and that is why you usually see the buses overloaded. That was how the buses were designed—they were built to carry more passengers as standees compared to those seated.”
Addressing the electronic payment system, he revealed that the card-based fare collection mechanism will be reintroduced, commencing with a pilot project in Kasoa before being rolled out to other operational corridors.
Commenting on a proposal by the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, to permit Aayalolo buses to utilise lanes on the opposite side of congested roads during peak hours, Mr Safo described the idea as feasible and highly commendable.
He noted that management had long advocated for such an arrangement, where a single lane on the less congested side of selected routes could be temporarily dedicated to Aayalolo buses between 6 am and 9 am to bypass gridlock.
He reiterated that the measure would drastically cut travel delays for commuters, boost patronage, and encourage private vehicle owners to rely more on public transport.
“The proposal by the Minister is a laudable idea and we support it. We therefore call on Ghanaians to support it, as it will enhance our public transport system,” he stated. “Imagine individuals driving 50 cars deciding to park them and take the Aayalolo—within fifteen minutes, people would arrive at their locations, significantly reducing traffic congestion on our roads.”
He nevertheless cautioned against unauthorized lane use, adding: “There are some road users who are stubborn and would want to use the lanes meant for Aayalolo buses, but we will strictly discourage people from doing that once the system becomes operational.”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
