Government has taken delivery of the first batch of 100 new buses aimed at easing transport challenges and improving public mobility across the country.
The newly procured 29-seater buses form part of a planned fleet of 300 vehicles expected to boost capacity, reduce congestion, and improve reliability within the public transport system.
The intervention comes amid growing pressure on the sector, with commuters facing long queues, rising fares, and frequent breakdowns of existing buses.
Speaking on Morning Starr with Isaac Addae, Head of Corporate Communications at Metro Mass Transit Limited, Mohammed Mubarak Watara underscored the importance of the new buses in stabilising operations.
He disclosed that management is in the process of entering into a contract with Isuzu Egypt for the supply of the 300 buses, with clearly defined specifications tailored to Ghana’s needs.
Mr. Watara explained that the move has become necessary due to persistent breakdowns within the current fleet, citing challenges with previously acquired buses.
He noted that some air-conditioned DAF buses were supplied without readily available spare parts, making maintenance difficult and leading to frequent operational disruptions.
According to him, management will engage directly with manufacturers in Egypt to ensure the new buses are durable, suitable for local road conditions, and supported with accessible spare parts.
Currently, he revealed, only about 115 buses in the fleet are consistently operational, highlighting the urgent need for reliable replacements.
Mr. Watara further disclosed that an audit initiated by the new management will soon be completed and its findings made public.
“The final audit report is not yet out, and as such, I do not want to pre-empt its findings. We will wait for the external auditors to complete their work and submit the report to management and the board. Once that is done, all relevant information will be made public—we have no intention of concealing anything,” he said.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh / Benjamin Sackey
