Ghana’s Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has launched the first batch of electric buses aimed at improving public transportation and reducing fares in the country.

Speaking at the commissioning event on 27 November, Dr Bawumia revealed that the introduction of electric buses is expected to reduce passenger transport costs by 40 to 50 percent. A total of 100 electric buses were unveiled, with more than 100 head potters, known locally as “kayayei,” trained to manage the new vehicles.

Dr Bawumia outlined that the electric buses would first operate on two major routes in the capital, Accra: Adenta-Accra and Ashaiman-Accra, as part of a pilot programme. “For passengers, the biggest question is how much it will cost. We estimate a reduction in fares of between 40 to 50 percent,” he said.

He also highlighted plans to support the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and other transport operators in acquiring electric buses, which would help enhance their businesses and contribute to the country’s transport sector’s modernisation and decarbonisation.

The Vice President further announced the extension of the “Tap and Go” payment system, which will initially be implemented on the electric buses and the railway system, with plans to expand it across all public transport services.

Albert Adu Boahen, Managing Director of Metro Bus Limited, stressed the economic benefits of the electric buses, stating that they would significantly reduce operational costs and fuel expenses, benefiting both the public and the transport sector.

Source:TheDotNews