The collapse of Mahama's Ayalolo bus transit: a sign of NPP's failure

The Bus Rapid Transport System is defined by the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy as a high-quality bus-based system that delivers comfortable, and cost-effective services at metro-level capacity which is done through the provision of dedicated lanes, making it more reliable, convenient and faster than regular bus services.

This type of transportation system is normally found in advanced countries, but the visionary leader, H.E. John Dramani Mahama wanted Ghanaians to have a feel of it and so he procured over 250 buses and

inaugurated the Ayalolo Bus Rapid Transit System on November 25, 2016 in Accra. The brand name Ayalolo is a Ga word which means we are still on our way.

The buses had the following key features: Free wifi, centralized air-condition system, 40 passenger seats, E-payment system, special seats for pregnant women and the aged, extra space for 44 passengers, USB ports for charging of phones, special seats for persons with disabilities; and all these came with the same far as trotro.

If this is not transformational, then I don't know what else it is.

But I have bad news! This trailblazing and well-intended social intervention programme by Mahama has been abandoned by the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government, and most of the buses left to rot.

Anthony Obeng Afrane