Senior Lecturer and political analyst Joshua Jebuntie Zaato has called on the Transport Ministry to adopt a targeted deployment strategy for newly acquired buses, urging a clear distinction between intracity and intercity transport operations.
Speaking on Breakfast Daily on Tuesday, April 7, Dr Zaato questioned whether the newly procured buses are intended for short-distance urban movement or long-haul travel, stressing the need for policy clarity to ensure efficiency.
His comments follow an announcement by the Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, confirming the arrival of 100 new 29-seater buses as part of government efforts to ease public transport challenges.
Dr. Zaato argued that the State Transport Corporation (STC) should be strengthened to handle intercity travel, with an emphasis on deploying larger, more durable buses suited for long-distance journeys.
According to him, Metro Mass Transit buses should be confined to city routes, operating similarly to commercial “trotro” services, to improve mobility within urban centres and offer competitive alternatives for commuters.
“Bring in specific buses, such as larger ones for long-haul routes, and limit Metro Mass Transit buses to city operations to move people like trotros do and compete effectively with them.
“The Ministry of Transport should procure bigger, more efficient buses for long-distance travel under STC, while concentrating Metro buses within city limits,” he said.
