Veep Bawumia Unveils 100 Electric Buses for Metro Mass Transit.

Accra: Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia on Wednesday unveiled the first batch of 100 electric buses for Metro Mass Transit Limited (MMT) in a bid to rejuvenate operations and enhance Ghana's public transportation system. The introduction of these electric vehicles (EVs) is expected to lower public transport costs, improve accessibility, and contribute to global efforts to reduce carbon emissions. This initiative is part of the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia Government's broader strategy to modernize and innovate the country's public transport sector.According to Ghana News Agency, the pilot phase of this program sets a precedent for integrating green technology into Ghana's public transportation system, aiming for a healthier and more efficient transport environment. At the inauguration event held in Adentan, a suburb of Accra, Vice President Bawumia highlighted that the introduction of EVs would reduce public transport costs by 40 to 50 percent and cut operational and maintenance expenses for MMT by half.Vice Preside nt Bawumia expressed his excitement about commissioning the electric buses, stating that this marks a new era of innovation in public transport services in Ghana. He emphasized that the shift towards electric vehicles extends beyond MMT to the entire public transport sector. Despite initial skepticism about the feasibility of transitioning to electric public transport, Bawumia remains committed to advancing this initiative.The Government's vision includes transforming the public transport sector by facilitating credit facilities for members of the Ghana Public Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and other organized transport associations to acquire electric buses. Vice President Bawumia urged transport business operators to join organized transport unions to benefit from government support. He underscored the significant role of the transport sector in economic growth and its importance in ensuring successful education, job creation, market access, and healthcare.The introduction of EVs is expected to revolution ize Ghana's transport sector and contribute to achieving global net-zero carbon emissions. The Government plans to collaborate with Technical and Vocational Educational Training (TVET) institutions to train technical staff to support the EV workforce.Transport Minister Kwaku Ofori Asiama stated that the EV program is part of the government's broader vision to overhaul the public transport system. The 100 buses mark the pilot phase, intended to identify and rectify operational challenges before expanding the program nationwide.Albert Adu Boahen, Managing Director of Metro Mass Transit Ltd, expressed gratitude to the Government for the support, applauding the launch of the Electric Policy Framework in 2023. This framework will guide the implementation of EVs in Ghana. Adu Boahen noted that MMT would reduce its fuel costs by 55 percent, ensure affordable fares, and improve passenger experience. Charging facilities have been established along the Adentan-Accra and Ashiaman-Accra routes for the pilot phase, an d technical staff have been trained to maintain the vehicles effectively.