Public Transport Day marked at Ga North assembly

The Ga North Municipal Assembly, in collaboration with the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA), has marked the Public Transport Day at Tantra Hill to highlight the significant role of public transport operators and drivers in the municipality and the country as a whole. 

The theme for this year’s celebration is “Transport planning, a safety tool for ensuring local economic development in the era of globalisation, is appropriate in timing”.

Speaking at a durbar attended by transport sector stakeholders, officials of the municipal assembly, road safety and a section of the public, the Assistant Director of Commercial Transport Operations of the municipality, Gladys Antwi, said revamping the transport sector in the municipality had been a very challenging task.

However, she said the advent of the Urban Passenger Transport Credit, which the government had strongly supported to develop transport infrastructure and enhance the capacity of operators, would have a positive impact on the local economy, benefiting the municipality.

“This partnership between the government and development partners such as the Global Environmental Facility Trust Fund, the International Development Association and different agencies, has built the operator capacity and confidence level in transport planning to manage operational challenges in this era of globalisation”, Ms Antwi added.

She further assured all transport operators and drivers in the municipality that management deemed it important to support them in creating awareness of their profession and their contribution to the local economy in recognition of the efforts of transport stakeholders in the development of the municipality.

Moreover, the assembly was also determined to improve their operations by ensuring they operated in a well-planned and structured environment.

Planning

The Planning Manager of the NRSA, Greater Accra Regional office, Felix Owusu, emphasised the importance of public transport drivers, urging them to see their profession as significant to the country.

He urged all public drivers to comport themselves to avoid engaging in acts which would lead to destruction and cause road crashes.

“When drivers dress properly and are disciplined, it will encourage people to park their cars and join public transport. This will prevent congestion and environmental pollution,” Mr Owusu added.

Background

World Public Transport Day 2024 is observed annually on November 10 to encourage people to embrace public transit options and raise awareness of the significant environmental and social benefits of sustainable transportation.

Celebrated globally, the day puts the spotlight on the importance of accessible, efficient and eco-friendly public transport systems for reducing pollution, easing traffic congestion and enhancing quality of life.