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The introduction of electric buses (EVs) into Ghana’s transportation sector marks a historic and significant milestone in the country’s transport system.
The initiative fulfills the government’s promise to introduce new measures to significantly cut down the cost of public transportation, which is part of the broader vision to bring down the cost of living at large.
At the outdooring of the electric buses at Adentan on Wednesday, Dr Bawumia said the new buses would be powered through charging their electric system at vantage points and would significantly minimise the operational cost by 40% to 50%.
“This is a new era not only for government buses but also presents an opportunity to private-owned buses and trotro services, for cheaper operational cost, when we fully roll out the programme with electric charging spots across various places in Accra” Dr Bawumia stated.
The buses are powered by charging the electric system, instead of using fuel, and with the complete absence of cost of fuel and other related maintenance cost, which is expected to reduce the cost of public transport considerably, between 40% and 50%.
“This is the beginning of a new era in the public transport sector, and a demonstration of “possibility mindset”.
“Today, we are making history with the commissioning of these electric buses. It represents a visionary shift in how we approach public transport. We are taking a definitive step towards revolutionising the transport sector with sustainability and innovation at its core,” Dr. Bawumia said.
“We are setting the stage for the future and aligning our interventions with global best practices.
“The use of fossil fuel-powered vehicles, its impact on climate change and air pollution, are no longer distant threats but urgent realities that demand immediate action,” Dr Bawumia noted.
Dr. Bawumia said when he announced the introduction of the electric buses earlier this year, his ultimate objective was to reduce the cost of public transportation.
“The economic benefits of using electric buses cannot be overemphasised. Electric buses, as we know, offer lower operating and maintenance costs compared to conventional diesel buses,” he said.
“The use of the electric buses will, therefore, translate into more efficient use of resources and cut operational costs by about 50% to the benefit of passengers,” he said.
The Vice President stated that the Metro Mass Transit Limited would be better positioned to enhance services, lower transport fares, and invest in fleet renewal and expansion efforts.
“From analysis done by stakeholders, the cost of public transport on the newly launched buses will go down by at least 40%, due to the significant cut in operational cost, which is pegged at about 50 per cent.
Dr. Bawumia noted that the successful introduction of the electric buses, achieved in the face of pessimism from certain quarters, reflected the mindset of possibilities, which he has often talked about.
“As usual, many said it was not possible. They said it was an election promise that would not be fulfilled. But that has been their mindset of impossibilities over the past eight years.”
“I was not surprised when the naysayers pooh poohed the idea of electric vehicles. I had no doubt in my mind that this was possible. If other countries could deploy electric buses, why not Ghana? Dr Bawumia queried.
The commissioning marked the first phase of the electric buses’ initiative, which will start on the Adenta – Accra and Ashaiman – Accra routes.
Nex year, he said, more buses would be added, which would expand the initiative to other parts of the country.
“As usual, the naysayers said it was not possible when we made the announcement, but we insisted that if other countries could deploy electric buses to make life easier for their citizens, why not Ghana?.
“With a mindset of possibility, we will, together, make many things possible and transform our country,” Dr Bawumia stated.
The initiative would help Ghana to contribute towards the global reduction in carbon emissions and ensure environment sustainability.
Source: GNA
