Multi-million-dollar World Bank Aayalolo BRT now competing for passengers with ‘trortro’

Some of the Ayalolo buses

Ghana’s much-heralded Aayalolo Bus System, officially known as the Quality Bus System (QBS), appears to be drifting from its original purpose under the Greater Accra Passenger Transport Executive (GAPTE) project.

Once envisioned as a modern, efficient urban transport system, the BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) initiative is now facing serious setbacks, with operations along key routes gradually resembling ordinary commercial buses, popularly known as “trotro.”

The system now operates Bus Slow Transit (BST).

Launched in 2016 with an estimated project cost of $95 million and funding from the World Bank, the BRT was designed to offer fast and reliable transit services using dedicated lanes for quick movement between major locations in Accra and surrounding towns.

The initial plan covered routes between Accra and Amasaman, Ofankor, Adentan, Tema, and Kasoa.

However, current observations suggest a steady decline in standards, especially along the Accra–Amasaman route.

Commuters have raised concerns about the conduct of Aayalolo drivers, who now stop indiscriminately to pick up passengers along the roadside, contrary to the original plan, which mandated designated stops only.

Instead of operating with the discipline expected of a BRT system, the buses now frequently compete with regular commercial vehicles, significantly delaying travel time.

Passengers report that drivers often stop even when buses are filled, creating inconvenience and defeating the system’s efficiency goals.

For instance, a bus departing from Amasaman or Pokuase is supposed to make its first stop at Achimota Overhead.

However, drivers now pick up passengers at various points along the Accra–Nsawam highway, blurring the line between BRT and regular transport services.

In an attempt to get clarity on the status of the BRT service, Classfmonline.com contacted the Aayalolo customer care centre at 0531088043.

A representative who answered the call around noon said the Public Relations Officer (PRO) was out for lunch and would return by 1:00 p.m.

However, subsequent attempts to reach the office around 2:00 p.m. went unanswered.

As the situation continues to raise public concern, it remains to be seen whether GAPTE and relevant transport authorities will take steps to restore the Aayalolo system to its intended function as a true Bus Rapid Transit service.

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