The Vice President, Dr. Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia, has commissioned the first batch of electric buses for Metro Mass Transit Limited.
The first batch of 100 buses, mainly for piloting, was commissioned on Wednesday, November 27, 2024.
Addressing the gathering, the presidential candidate of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, noted that the electric buses are to augment the operations of Metro Mass Transit Limited and usher in a new era of innovation in the delivery of public transport services.
He stated that a new strategic business unit has been set up to ensure the efficient operation of the buses.
“The unit will work with partners to provide maintenance and tech support, EV battery charging infrastructure, EV bus revenue management, tracking and most importantly, driver training,” he said.
ROUTES
The pilot would be on two major routes in the national capital: Adentan to Accra and Ashaiman to Accra.
Using the E-bus from Accra to Adentan will cost GH¢6, Accra to Ashaiman is GH¢8, Accra to Amasaman is GH¢7, and Oyibi to Accra is GH¢8.
Passengers will need to load money on a card and slot it in a device fixed in the bus for the fare to be deducted, after which the gate will be opened for full entry.
TEST OF TIME
The Vice President urged the Board and Management of Metro Mass Transit to take steps to ensure that these buses stand the test of time.
He opined that the cost of postponed maintenance due to neglect is usually high, and prevent such occurrences.
Dr. Bawumia opined that the success of this project relies heavily on commitment to robust and continuous maintenance.
He remarked that: “the neglect and mishandling of buses will derail the effort that has gone into the acquisition of these buses.
“As a people, we should know that reckless use of public assets represents an enormous drain on national resources.”
EMMISSION
Beyond revamping Metro Mass, Dr. Bawumia said the electric buses are also to position the agency to play a leading role in the drive to a net-zero emission transport future and a future with low-cost transportation.
The policy to guide the uptake of electric vehicles in Ghana was launched barely a year ago by President Akufo-Addo on the sidelines of COP 28 in Dubai.
Dr. Bawumia said that the launch of the National Electric Vehicle Policy has ushered in a new era of innovation, driving the gradual decarbonisation of the transport sector.
He said the use of fossil fuel-powered vehicles and its impact on climate change and air pollution are no longer distant threats but urgent realities that demand immediate action.
He told the gathering that the economic benefits of using electric buses cannot be overemphasised.
Electric buses, as they offer lower operating and maintenance costs compared to conventional diesel buses.
“The use of the electric bus will, therefore, translate into more efficient use of resources and cut operational costs by about 50% to the benefit of passengers.
“Metro Mass will be better positioned to enhance services, lower transport fares and invest in fleet renewal and expansion efforts,” he added.
