The government has unveiled plans to procure 500 new buses for Metro Mass Transit Limited (MMTL) over the short to medium term, with the first batch of 150 expected early next year, to bolster public transportation and expand routes nationwide.
Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe announced the initiative in Parliament on Thursday, October 30, responding to MPs’ concerns over MMTL’s struggling fleet of only 134 operational buses. “The company is in the process of acquiring new buses—about 500 of them—to augment our operations,” Nikpe stated, emphasizing deployment to optimize existing lines and serve underserved areas.
The move aligns with the administration’s economic transformation agenda, including modernizing terminals, enhancing service quality, and creating jobs. Nikpe highlighted steps toward a 24-hour economy, starting with MMTL’s maintenance and traffic units for round-the-clock availability.
MMTL, serving over 2 million passengers monthly, has faced breakdowns and route cuts due to aging vehicles. The procurement, funded via budget allocations and partnerships, could reduce reliance on private trotros and ease urban congestion.
