Fining drivers for using Aayalolo bus lane backed by law - PRO

Public Relations Officer (PRO) for the Aayalolo Bus Rapid Transport system, Fred Chidi has justified why drivers are fined for using the lane meant for the buses operating under the system.

He was reacting to growing concerns by drivers who have been fined between GHc100-GHc250 for using the bus lane. He told Kwame Tutu on Rainbow Radio 87.5Fm that, law regulates the fine and the money collected goes to the various District Assemblies where the buses operate. Fred Chidi admonished drivers to abide by the regulations so they are not fined.

He further explained the bus lane was not only developed for Ayalolo buses but other similar buses like that of Metro Mass Transit Buses, STC Buses among others. Ambulances, Fire Service Tenders and Police vehicles are also allowed to use the lane.

The $95 million dollar project which started in 2007 is finally taking off in September with dedicated routes in Accra. For those driving their own cars, they can only benefit if they are willing to park their cars and join the bus.

To ensure the safety of passengers, managers of the 85 buses for the first phase of the project have fitted wi-fi and USB cables in them to encourage patronage. Aayalolo buses currently run three services on the Nsawam Road corridor.

The three services are as follows: Amasaman to Tudu, Ofankor to Tudu and Achimota to Tudu. These services are respectively run by:Ghana cooperative bus rapid transit association, Accra GPRTU rapid bus transit company limited and Amalgamated bus transit services limited.

Mr Chidi said before the implementation of the bus system conducted massive education to inform the public on the operations of the system. The taskforce clamping on cars are legally mandated enterprise and mandated by law.