The management of the Aayalolo Bus Rapid Transit System (BRT) has supported 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.
The Public Relations Officer for the Aayalolo BRT, Kweku Justice Safo, described the initiative as both feasible and laudable.
Speaking on Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, Mr Safo noted that management had long advocated for such an arrangement.
Under the proposed plan, a single lane on the less congested side of selected routes would be temporarily dedicated to Aayalolo buses between 6 am and 9 am to bypass morning gridlock.
Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs Minister Mahama Ayariga has proposed a contraflow lane system during peak morning hours to improve Aayalolo bus travel times and reliability.
Under the proposal, one lane on the less-congested side of selected major roads would be temporarily reserved for Aayalolo buses between 6:00 AM and 9:00 AM. Motorbike officers from the Motor Traffic and Transport Directorate (MTTD) would escort the buses to maintain safety and alert oncoming traffic.
Speaking during a visit to the Greater Accra Passenger Transport Executive, Ayariga acknowledged that permanently designated bus lanes have proven ineffective.
He believes this peak-hour alternative will reduce delays, increase bus patronage, make the state-supported service financially viable, and encourage motorists to switch from private cars.
The proposal will undergo safety and feasibility reviews with the Inspector-General of Police, the Ministry of the Interior, and relevant security agencies before implementation.
Conmenting on the propodal, the PRO for Aayalolo 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
