Some commercial drivers within the Accra metropolis have threatened to embark on strike on Monday, September 19, in protest against the introduction of the Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) system.
The drivers, who operate under a new union known as the Committed Drivers Association (CDA), have complained that the BRT will eventually drive them out of business.
Spokesperson for the drivers, Francis Appiah, told Citi News that, “the unfair introduction of the BRT, will hinder their operations and could affect their livelihood.
“In what we see as unfair business practice, operations of commercial drivers will be limited. We will not be allowed to operate in major commercial centres such as Accra central, Kwame Nkrumah Circle, Kanashie etc,” Mr. Appiah said.
According to him, Government has plans to move the drivers from their current bus terminals, especially the ones in major commercial areas.
He explained that, “commercial drivers at the Kwame Nkrumah Circle will be moved to the new lorry station, while commercial drivers operating from the Tema Station will be relocated to the hajj park. The 37 military lorry station will be moved to the Kawukudi Park at Mamobi.”
BRT could be rolled out before end of 2016 President John Mahama has promised to commission the BRT system before the end of this year, to boost intra-city transportation.
The buses are expected to ply between Accra and Amasaman, Accra and Ofankor, Accra and Adenta, Accra and Tema and Accra and Kasoa.
It is government’s hope that this new transport system will improve vehicular movement in the central business district and reduce travel hours along some of the busy roads.
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