Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has commissioned the first batch of electric buses to enhance public transportation in the country.
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia says, the introduction of the electric buses is expected to reduce transport fares by 40 to 50 percent.
One hundred of the electric buses were commissioned on November 27. More than one hundred head potters, popularly called ‘ kayakyei,” have been trained to manage the electric buses.
Dr Bawumia who commissioned the electric vehicles said, it will reduce cost for passengers.
“For our passengers who will be boarding these buses, I think the biggest question in your mind is how much is it going to cost? The answer is consistent with our estimates, when I announce this policy when I gave my lecture in UPSA, I think between 40 to 50 percent reduction in the fares on these electric vehicles.”
” Starting this year, with a pilot on two major routes in the national capital- Adenta to Accra and Ashaiman to Accra, so we will be piloting these two major roads,” he announced.
According to him, “We will help GPRTU and other transport operators to acquire these electric buses and this will encourage their businesses. The commissioning of these buses is the beginning of efforts to harmonize and decarbonize the transport sector, I see the future where electric buses with modern technology are playing a key part in it.”
Dr Mahamudu Bawumia explained that the tap and go initiative will be replicated in the railway sector.
“Currently, your tap and go card will work on the railway and as we have planned, it will also work on the electric buses then we will extend it to all the rest. So, the tap and go card as we have developed it, is going to be operational across the entire public sector, so you can take your tap and go card and board a train,” Dr Bawumia stated.
The Managing Director of Metro Bus Limited, Albert Adu Boahen underscored the relevance of the electric bus.
“The electric buses will have far reaching economic benefits for the people of Ghana as well as these buses will help reduce the cost of operation and lower fuel expenses,” he assured.
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Bawumia to commission electric buses for pilot operations in Accra
