The implementers of the Bus Rapid Transit system, Greater Accra Passenger Transport Executive (GAPTE), has said that they have renamed the project as Quality Bus System (QBS).

Chief Executive Officer of GAPTE, Sampson Gyamenah, told Accra-based Citi FM a vital prerequisite for the BRT system has not been met hence the name change.

“We do not have a full blown dedicated lane for the buses so I will also hesitate to call what we are putting in place a BRT. It is called a Quality Bus System.”

“What we are putting in place on the Amasaman corridor is not a full-blown BRT. We are putting in place what we call a Quality Bus Service, taking some of the attributes of the BRT and enhancing operation of these services.”

He mentioned that one attribute they have ‘copied’ from the BRT is “the automated fare collection system.”

The BRT transport service started what it describes as test operations with 9 buses plying the Amasaman – Achimota – Circle –Accra route.

The new transport system is expected to improve vehicular movement and reduce delays on some busy streets and ultimately bring relief to motorists.

Marketing and Communications Manager of GAPTE Roland Bruce said the bus ride was free until Friday. The free bus ride will be only available for passengers on one of the four routes under the BRT service that is, Amasaman through Achimota to Circle and then to Tudu, at the Central Business District.

Some Ghanaians have raised concerns that government is probably rushing the BRT system, as many of the buses are yet to be registered and insured.

But Bruce has denied those claims, saying: “we are in the process of registering and insuring the buses. We hope no accidents happen before we register and insure all the buses. We assure passengers of our commitment to our schedule and the rapidity of our buses."

However, the BRT which started operation yesterday (Monday, September 26, 2016) has been suspended today (Tuesday, September 27, 2016).

Bruce explained that operations have been suspended due to some communication challenges they encountered on the first day. He said the challenge was mainly "with the log system which provided information such as when or where passengers would alight to drivers."

source:pulseghana