Anfoega-Bume (V/R), April 3 GNA - The Metro Mass Transport (MMT) Limited is determined to increase its country-wide public operational routes to 265, this year, Mr Maxwell Awuku, acting Managing Director of Metro Mass Transport (MMT) Limited has said.

He said a total of 34 million commuters were moved from one point to another on its 250 operational routes nationwide last year, across city centres, rural and urban communities.

Mr Maxwell Awuku was speaking in a speech read for him by Mr Frank Yeboah-Koranteng, Traffic Operations Manager, at the inauguration of two additional routes on Kpando-Accra networks at Anfoega-Bume in the Kpando District of the Volta Region. The routes, which were inaugurated are Vakpo-Tsoxor-Botoku-Wusuta and Anfoega-Aveme-Tsyome Sabadu-Awate both terminating at Opera Square terminus in Accra.

He said the Kpando area would experience an improved form of public transport in terms of safety, efficiency and affordability. The Managing Director urged members of the public to report the staff's recalcitrant conducts and be vigilant against the haulage of contraband goods.

Ms Akua Sena Dansua, Minister of Tourism and Member of Parliament for North Dayi, who initiated the transport project, said the entry of MMT into the Constituency would enhance cohesion. She however said the initiative was not intended to compete with other private public transport enterprises but supplement their efforts.

Ms Dansua entreated MMT to consider introducing smaller commuter buses to link marketing centres and provide safety especially for traders.

Mr Francis Ganyaglo, Kpando District Chief Executive said plans are far advanced towards the construction and rehabilitation of road networks in, Vakpo-Wusuta-Kpebe, Vakpo-Tsrukpe-Botoku-Tsoxor and Anfoega Gblenkor-Bume-Aveme-Danyigba-Tsyome Sabadu-Awate. He appealed to the communities in the those areas to perceive the service as theirs and patronise it.

Togbe Adza Dzobo II, Chief of Anfoega-Bume, who presided over the function, expressed the joy of the people when he said by bringing MMT's services to the area, transport would become reliable, available and comfortable.

He urged the people to patronise the service to enable the management of MMT extend its routes and fleet to other areas in the district.