Bawumia commissions electric buses, promising 40% reduction in transport costs

Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has inaugurated Ghana's first fleet of electric buses (EVs) on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 marking a step toward modernising the country's public transportation system.

The buses will undergo test operations beginning this week. This initiative stems from Dr. Bawumia's vision of adopting electric vehicles as a cost-saving measure for the transportation sector.

During the inauguration on Wednesday, November 27, the Managing Director of the Metro Mass Transit Limited (MTTL), Albert Adu Boahen, stated that measures have been put in place to ensure effective use of the electric buses.

The buses would be deployed on routes like the Oyibi-Accra road, Accra-Amasaman and Ashaiman-Accra routes. This initiative is expected to reduce the cost of public transport by 40%.

Adu Boahen noted that auxiliary facilities like charging devices are to be installed at all MTTD stations across the capital.

“This represents a remarkable 40% savings in operational costs, allowing us to reinvest in expanding and enhancing our services. Part of this cost reduction will also be passed on to the public through more affordable fares and reliable service.

“Additionally, electric buses provide a smoother and quieter ride, improving the overall passenger experience. The board and management are aware of the paradigm shift in passenger preference in the emerging segmented market in the road transport industry.

“We know that is our mandate as a company to ensure that the needed system, operational structures and resources are in place for the effective management of these buses,” he stated.

—citinewsroom