Accra:The Greater Accra Passenger Transport Executive (GAPTE) is making strides to increase the number of buses for its Aayalolo contra-flow service to meet rising passenger demand and expand the initiative to more corridors in the Greater Accra Region.
According to Ghana News Agency, GAPTE's Managing Director, Mr. Dawuda Awudu, revealed that the organization is repairing broken-down buses and collaborating with the sector minister to explore acquiring additional vehicles. This effort aims to bolster operations and ease pressure on the current bus fleet.
The contra-flow system, introduced on September 29, 2026, helps alleviate passenger congestion during peak hours in Accra. Currently, it serves the Accra-Adenta, Accra-Kasoa, and Accra-Amasaman corridors. Since its implementation, commuting times have significantly decreased, attracting high patronage due to its efficiency and reliability.
Mr. Awudu highlighted the marked reduction in travel times for commuters. For instance, the journey from Adenta to Accra's Central Business District (CBD) has decreased from around two hours to an average of 28 minutes during the morning peak. Similarly, travel time from Amasaman to the CBD has been cut from over three hours to about 35 minutes, and the Kasoa corridor now takes approximately 50 minutes.
The improvements have been advantageous for workers, traders, and students, contributing to reduced congestion on major roads. Mr. Awudu emphasized that the primary goal of the service is to enhance public mobility rather than generate revenue, describing the initiative as a social intervention to make transportation more accessible and affordable.
Public education and increased awareness have improved compliance, with buses operating in convoys led by motorcyclists to ensure safety and alert oncoming traffic. Mr. Awudu called for support from commercial transport operators, private motorists, and other stakeholders to sustain the service's benefits.
He reassured the public of GAPTE's dedication to improving service reliability and expanding the system when operational capacity allows.