Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Ghanaian Times
Published on 2024-02-20 08:00:00
The Vice President of Ghana, Alhaji Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has revealed that the government is planning to acquire 100 brand new electric buses for the Metro Mass Transit by the end of the year. This move is intended to bolster the operations of the company and enhance its sustainability.
Dr Bawumia made this announcement at the official launch of a new digital platform for public commercial transport operators called “Tap & Go” in Accra. The platform is designed to serve the entire transport ecosystem, including both inter and intra-city bus services, the trotro, loading taxi services, and the demand for Uber services.
The Vice President explained that the “Tap & Go” system is a single transport card for all commuting payments and is equipped with additional features tailored to support various modes of transportation, including parcel delivery and tracking, taxi hailing, intercity bus services, and inner-city bus services such as Metro Mass and Ayalolo. The ultimate goal is to bring all transportation services, including the GPRTU Trotro services, under one seamless integrated platform.
Dr Bawumia emphasized that the “Tap & Go” system aims to revolutionize the public transport experience and address long-standing challenges associated with the public transport system. One of the significant problems it intends to address is the issue of corruption, mistrust between drivers and vehicle owners, and the hassle of cash transactions causing unnecessary delays over the fare change.
Prior to the implementation of the “Tap & Go” system, audited reports of the Metro Mass Transit revealed that the company was losing about 50% of its revenue annually. However, since the implementation of the system, the company’s revenue from the intercity routes has increased significantly, demonstrating the positive impact of the new platform. This has helped to address major financial challenges that were threatening the survival of Metro Mass Transit.
Dr Bawumia highlighted that with the introduction of the “Tap & Go” system, transport systems’ revenues now go directly into their respective bank accounts, enabling banks to provide financing for new buses with confidence in the timely repayments.
The Minister of Transport, Mr Kwaku Ofori Asiamah, expressed his support for the new initiative, stating that it aligns with the government’s agenda to introduce innovation in public transport service delivery and ensure the safety, security, and wellbeing of public transport users. He described the “Tap & Go” system as an innovative and game-changing technology that represents a significant milestone in the government’s continuous efforts to improve and modernize public transport services delivery.
The announcement of the procurement of 100 electric buses and the introduction of the “Tap & Go” system is a significant step towards improving public transportation in Ghana and ensuring the sustainability and profitability of Metro Mass Transit. These innovations have the potential to revolutionize the public transport experience, bolster the revenue of transport operators, and promote the efficient delivery of services to commuters.
Read the original article on Ghanaian Times
