Fare Confusion Hinders High Patronage

Three days after the introduction of the new buses patronage has improved a bit, but the fare still remains a sticking point. ADM went to town to follow up on the Adenta-Accra-Adenta route, that has its station at Kinbu near the Ministry of Roads and Transport.

The driver of the bus, Mr. Anthony Mensah said patronage had improved compared to Monday. On our way to Adenta, the bus had six passengers, but was filled when we were coming back to Accra because it started raining heavily and passengers had no other choice but to get on board. Though the passengers complained about the fare they confessed to enjoying the comfort.

Mr. Asempa, Public Relations Officer of the Roads and Transport Ministry, later told ADM that the project is still at the pilot stage and as such subject to review. Mr. Asempa said twenty new buses would be released by the end of year. He said the buses were solely brought in to assist workers so that market woman and other casual workers would use the existing rotor. In his opinion the two thousand cedes fare is ideal for such workers who would often plead to get "dropped off" at home.

Mr. Asempa disclosed that the Ministry is soliciting financial help from China and other sources to supplement their efforts so far. He asked the media to help in educating the public about the new system.