Gov’t considers dedicated lanes for Aayalolo buses during peak hours

The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, has proposed the introduction of dedicated lanes for Aayalolo buses during peak hours to improve their speed and reliability.

He said the initiative could help reduce the time Aayalolo buses spend in traffic and also lower fuel consumption and improving the financial sustainability of the public transport system.

Speaking to the management of Aayalolo on Tuesday, September 8, the Minister said making the buses faster than other modes of transport could encourage more commuters to abandon their private cars.

“We are considering a special route for you, so that you don't spend time in traffic and then burn fuel in traffic, and therefore be able to recover your cost. That is something also that we need to look at,” he said.

The Bawku Central MP said the proposed system could involve allowing Aayalolo buses to use the opposite side of the road during specific peak hours, depending on traffic flows along particular routes.

According to the Minister, if commuters are assured that Aayalolo can take them to their destinations significantly faster than private vehicles, patronage of the service would increase.

“If people know that if I come and join Aayalolo, Aayalolo will not be in traffic, Aayalolo will get me to Accra in 20 minutes, but if I use my car, I will get to Accra in one hour, they will patronise you,” Mr Ayariga said.

He said the proposal would require discussions with the Motor Traffic and Transport Directorate (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service to map out suitable routes and determine how traffic management could be adjusted.

The Minister also called for the Aayalolo system to operate as a rapid public transport service, with fewer stops between major stations.

He argued that limiting unnecessary stops would help the buses maintain their speed and improve the reliability of the service.