STC to add 120 buses amid growing passenger complaints over delays

The State Transport Company says it is taking urgent steps to address increasing concerns over long waiting times and the condition of some of its buses following rising passenger frustration at terminals across the country.

Management of the state-owned transport operator has announced plans to add nearly 120 new buses to its fleet before the end of the year as part of efforts to improve service delivery and ease pressure on existing operations nationwide.

The decision follows the circulation of a viral social media video showing stranded passengers at various terminals expressing anger over prolonged delays and deteriorating service conditions.

Responding to the criticism, the company’s Deputy Managing Director for Finance and Administration, Nuru Hamidan, acknowledged the operational challenges but stressed that passenger safety remains the company’s top priority.

“We have standards that we follow. What differentiates us from other buses is safety. Whenever a bus offloads passengers, it goes straight to the workshop for proper checks before it hits the road again,” he explained.

According to Mr. Hamidan, the mandatory technical inspections conducted after every trip contribute to delays at some terminals because buses are only allowed back onto the road after they have been certified roadworthy.

He admitted, however, that the company’s current fleet is inadequate to meet growing passenger demand, especially during peak travel periods, resulting in overcrowding and extended waiting times.

In recent months, commuters have criticised STC over delays, disruptions to schedules and the aging condition of some buses, with passengers in the viral video also accusing the company of poor communication and inadequate customer service.

Despite the challenges, management says measures are being implemented to stabilise operations while awaiting the arrival of the additional buses later this year.

According to the company, the planned fleet expansion is expected to improve turnaround times, reduce congestion at terminals and enhance efficiency across its intercity transport network.

As part of temporary interventions, STC says it has partnered with other transport operators to help absorb excess passenger demand and minimise disruptions caused by the shortage of buses.

The State Transport Company remains one of Ghana’s oldest public transport providers, operating long-distance services across major towns and selected international routes within the West African sub-region.