Management of the Quality Bus Services (QBS), operators of the Aayalolo Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system under the Greater Accra Passenger Transport Executive (GAPTE), is facing mounting criticism over deteriorating service quality and poorly maintained buses.

Passengers and drivers alike have voiced frustration, accusing the company of mismanaging the once-promising World Bank-funded project, which was launched to improve urban mobility in Accra.

Commuters who spoke to Classfmonline.com at the Central Business District (CBD), CMB terminal behind the Greater Accra Regional Police headquarters, lamented the poor condition of buses deployed for daily operations.

According to them, the Aayalolo buses are no longer serving their intended purpose and have become a shadow of the modern transport system they were meant to represent.

Many complained about unclean buses, foul odours, and non-functional air conditioning systems, particularly during the early morning and evening rush hours when demand is highest.

“Some of the buses come with a terrible smell, and the air conditioning doesn’t work. It’s uncomfortable, especially when the buses are full,” a frustrated commuter told Classfmonline.com.

Drivers who spoke on condition of anonymity confirmed that the air conditioners in many of the buses have been intentionally disengaged to cut fuel costs, as the high price of diesel continues to strain operations.

“Management says keeping the air conditioners on uses more fuel, so we’ve been instructed to turn them off most of the time,” one driver disclosed.

In addition to the poor state of the buses, concerns were raised about disorderliness at the CMB terminal, particularly during peak hours.

Passengers accused some conductors of favouritism, allowing acquaintances to skip the queue — a situation that causes delays and tension among commuters.

“These days, you have to know someone to get on a bus quickly.

People queue for long hours, only to be bypassed by others with connections,” another passenger complained.

What was once envisioned as a world-class public transport solution is now under scrutiny, with calls mounting for GAPTE and the Ministry of Transport to take urgent steps to restore the integrity and reliability of the Aayalolo BRT system.

More to come!