Gov’t considers light rail to replace Aayalolo contra-flow system – Ayariga

The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, has disclosed that the government is exploring plans to replace the Aayalolo bus contra-flow system with a light rail network as a more permanent solution to Accra’s growing transportation challenges.

Ayariga said President John Dramani Mahama had tasked him with initiating discussions on the possibility of introducing light rail services along four major routes that carry large volumes of commuters into and out of the capital.

The proposed rail system is expected to provide a long-term alternative to the current contra-flow arrangement, which allows designated Aayalolo buses to travel against the normal direction of traffic on selected road corridors to reduce congestion and shorten commuting times.

Speaking on Accra-based Citi TV, Ayariga explained that although the contra-flow system had delivered significant improvements in travel times for commuters, the President believes a more permanent mass transportation solution must be considered.

He said the directive was for him to engage the relevant authorities and explore the feasibility of developing light rail infrastructure along the four major routes currently benefiting from the contra-flow arrangement.

“The President said, ‘contra-flow is good, but look at light rail as your more permanent solution going into the future,’ and so I am commencing conversations with the Railway Authority for us to see how we can begin to look at light rail along the four major routes that bring in a lot of the people in and out of the city.”

The Aayalolo contra-flow system was introduced as an intervention to improve public transport efficiency on some of the capital’s busiest corridors, particularly during peak traffic periods when commuters experience long delays travelling into and out of the city.

Under the arrangement, designated buses are allowed to use selected lanes in the opposite direction of normal traffic flow, enabling them to bypass some of the congestion affecting other motorists.

The system is designed to make public transportation faster and more reliable, particularly for commuters who depend on buses to travel between residential communities and major commercial and employment centres in Accra.

However, while the arrangement has helped reduce journey times on the selected routes, it remains dependent on road infrastructure, traffic management and the availability of buses and personnel to support operations.