100 new buses meant for inter-city routes, not Accra commuter services - Deputy MD of Metro Mass Transit

The Deputy Managing Director for Operations and Technical Services at Metro Mass Transit, Haruna Apaw-Wiredu, has clarified that the 100 newly imported buses recently received by the company are intended for inter-city operations and not for intra-city transport services in Accra and other major urban centres.

Speaking in an interview, with in Accra on June 8, Mr. Apaw-Wiredu explained that public misunderstanding had arisen over the purpose of the buses, with many commuters expecting them to immediately ease congestion and long queues on urban routes.

According to him, the buses form part of government’s intervention to restore transport services to underserved communities across the country where Metro Mass operations have significantly declined due to a depleted fleet.

“The core mandate of Metro Mass is to provide transport services to underserved communities, especially areas where private transport operators do not find it attractive to operate,” he said.

Mr. Apaw-Wiredu revealed that Metro Mass is currently operating only about 115 buses nationwide despite having a mandate to service approximately 385 routes across Ghana’s 16 regions.

He explained that when Metro Mass was established, it operated around 1,000 buses and served fewer regions and districts than exist today. However, over the years, the fleet has reduced drastically, limiting the company’s ability to serve many communities.

According to him, several areas in the Bono, Ahafo, Western North, Northern and Oti regions have either lost Metro Mass services entirely or experience severe transport shortages.

“There are communities where residents have access to public transport only once a week. If they miss the available bus, they may have to wait until the following week,” he stated.

Mr. Apaw-Wiredu disclosed that an additional 100 Isuzu buses are already en route to Ghana and are expected to arrive by July.

He noted that the government’s broader plan includes the acquisition of buses dedicated to intra-city transport services in major urban centres.

While declining to disclose detailed procurement figures ahead of an official government announcement, he indicated that the forthcoming urban transport fleet would comprise no fewer than 100 high-capacity buses.

“The intra-city buses will be modern, fit-for-purpose and designed to provide comfortable transport services within our major cities,” he said.

The buses are expected to operate in Accra, Kumasi, Takoradi, Cape Coast, Koforidua, Bolgatanga, Wa, Techiman and Ho, among other urban centres.

Mr. Apaw-Wiredu revealed that many of the planned intra-city buses will be electric vehicles (EVs), while some are expected to be double-decker buses similar to those used in the United Kingdom.

He said Metro Mass and government officials are carefully assessing infrastructure requirements, including bridge heights and interchange designs, to ensure the buses can operate efficiently.

“We are looking at high-occupancy buses that can move large numbers of passengers at a time. These buses will significantly improve urban transport services,” he said.

To support the incoming electric buses, Metro Mass has begun developing EV charging infrastructure.

Mr. Apaw-Wiredu said the company has completed an EV charging station at its headquarters and plans to establish additional charging facilities at Kinbu and Adenta in Accra, as well as in Kumasi and other major cities.

The charging stations, he noted, will be powered by both solar energy and electricity and will also be accessible to private EV users for a fee.

According to him, previous attempts to deploy electric buses in Ghana were hampered by inadequate charging infrastructure, resulting in some buses being grounded.

The Metro Mass official acknowledged the transportation challenges faced by commuters in Accra and Kumasi but stressed that government must also address the needs of rural and underserved communities.

He assured Ghanaians that procurement arrangements for the new intra-city buses have been concluded and that officials are expected to inspect the manufacturing process before shipment.

“By the end of the year, Ghanaians should begin to see modern, well-organised and comfortable electric buses operating within our major city centres,” he said.

Mr. Apaw-Wiredu further disclosed that Metro Mass has completed the automation of its ticketing system, allowing passengers to purchase tickets electronically and reducing the need for long queues at bus terminals.

He appealed to commuters to remain patient, assuring them that government remains committed to improving both inter-city and intra-city transportation services across the country.