Metro Mass Transit records record revenues amid depleted fleet — Deputy MD

The Deputy Managing Director of Metro Mass Transit Limited (MMTL), Haroun Apaw Wiredu, says the state-owned transport company has achieved unprecedented revenue growth in recent months despite operating with one of the lowest bus fleets in its history.

In an interview on Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, Mr. Apaw Wiredu attributed the company’s financial turnaround to a series of reforms introduced under the current administration, including automation and e-ticketing systems.

According to him, between August and early November 2025, MMTL recorded over GH¢29.3 million in total revenue — GH¢15.2 million from August to September and approximately GH¢14.1 million between October 1 and November 1.

“It has been back-to-back growth. That is why President John Dramani Mahama has acknowledged these remarkable achievements and plans to expand our fleet. These reforms have yielded the highest revenue in the history of the company,” he stated.

Despite these gains, Mr. Apaw Wiredu lamented the company’s dwindling fleet size, alleging that previous administrations sold a total of 713 buses as scrap.

“In 2017, 400 buses were sold as scrap, and in March 2024, another 313 were scrapped. As a result, our fleet dropped to its lowest level ever,” he revealed.

Currently, MMTL operates only 115 buses across 85 routes nationwide, a sharp decline from its target of 385 routes — leaving over 300 routes unserved.

His remarks followed a recent announcement by the Minister for Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, who told Parliament on October 30, 2025, that the government plans to procure 500 new buses to revitalise MMTL as part of a broader initiative to modernise Ghana’s public transport system.

Confirming the move, Mr. Apaw Wiredu said the first batch of 150 buses is expected to arrive early next year. He added that the long-term goal is to acquire over 1,000 buses for the company, with approval already granted for the first 500.

To ensure operational sustainability, he noted that MMTL will establish dedicated vehicle maintenance and traffic management departments to keep the new fleet in service around the clock.

He also revealed plans for an ultramodern terminal in Tamale, featuring a restaurant, supermarket, clinic, parking bay, and rest area — a model the company intends to replicate in other operational zones.

“Our goal is not just to expand the fleet but to build a modern, efficient, and sustainable transport network for all Ghanaians,” Mr. Apaw Wiredu concluded.