Aayalolo
Aayololo is a Bus Rapid Transit System inaugurated on the 25th of November 2016,[1] in Ghana which is operational in Accra the Capital. Bus Rapid Transit system are special because particular lines are dedicated for the buses which allows them to move faster through traffic, along their routes.
Aayalolo system Started in 2016, it started work from Accra to Amasaman and Accra to Ofankor. It was initially planned as a Bus Transit System with dedicated lanes, but because these lanes were not provided it was renamed Quality Bus System (QBS).[2]
Aayalolo is a word from the Ga language which means "still moving on".
Currently Aaylolo operates from Accra to Amasaman, Adentan to Accra, Kasoa to Accra and Ofankor to Accra.[3]
It also started operating in the city of Tamale in March 2022. It rans along the Tamale-Nyankpala, and Tamale-Dungu routes.
Regulation
[edit]The BRT is under the Urban Transport Project (UTP) of the Ministry of Roads and Highways.[4]
Funding
[edit]The projected is funded by four parties, The World Bank, The Agence Francaise de Development (AFD), The Government of Ghana and the Global Environment Facility Trust Fund and was implemented by the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, the Ministry of Roads and Highways and the Department of Urban Roads. The initial cost estimate was $95 million.[4]
Controversies
[edit]On Monday, 24 February 2020, Drivers of Aayalolo Bus Rapid Transit System began a sit-down strike. They claim their salaries have not been paid by their employers for seven months.[5]
However the Greater Accra Passenger Transport Executive's GAPTE claims its not true and they have been paid.[6]
Challenges
[edit]The bus system was meant to use e-card as payment instead of cash, however management of the company could not provide e-cards to customers after they ran out.[7]
References
[edit]- ^ "'Aayalolo' buses unveiled". Graphic Online. Retrieved 2020-03-21.
- ^ "Government to revamp BRT system". www.ghanaweb.com. Retrieved 2020-03-21.
- ^ "50 Aayalolo buses deployed on Accra roads". Graphic Online. Retrieved 2020-03-21.
- ^ a b "Bus Rapid Transit system to begin in Accra in November". Graphic Online. Retrieved 2020-03-21.
- ^ "'Aayalolo' bus drivers on strike". www.ghanaweb.com. Retrieved 2020-03-21.
- ^ "We've still not been paid – Aayalolo drivers claim". Citinewsroom. 2020-03-10. Retrieved 2020-03-21.
- ^ Dogbevi, Emmanuel (2018-01-30). "Customers unhappy about shortage of Aayalolo e-card". Ghana Business News. Retrieved 2020-03-21.