Cezar Kale Esq., the Managing Director of Metro Mass Transit Limited, has unveiled an ambitious two-phase plan to procure 1,000 new buses, including minibuses, cargo trucks, and electric buses, over the next two years. This strategic move is aimed at significantly revitalizing the struggling state transport company.

According to Mr. Kale, the initial phase of procurement will see the rollout of 500 buses to bolster the company’s fleet and enhance operational efficiency. He also revealed that over 200 old and unserviceable buses are slated for scrapping as part of this comprehensive restructuring effort.

Currently, only between 120 and 130 buses are operational nationwide on a daily basis. The MD described this situation as dire, noting its severe impact on the company’s ability to generate revenue and effectively serve commuters.

“The company fleet of buses has run at an all-time low, and this has seriously affected the company in terms of our revenue mobilization. Many of our buses are on rocks; others must be scrapped. Having noticed this, we have started planning. My deputy and the planning committee are already putting together measures to ensure we replenish the fleet of buses that have run low,” Mr. Kale stated.

He further elaborated on the diverse nature of the planned acquisitions: “We are saying, in acquiring new buses, the taste of Ghanaians and comfortability have changed, so we will not do as what we did yesterday years. We have some routes that may need shorter buses, some may need luxurious buses, we have some routes that have a lot of cargo on the way, so all these have informed us of the need to bring various kinds of buses and vehicles. But our major plan is that we need a total in the next two years not less than 1,000 buses to operate, and cargo trucks. But for the meantime, we want to see how best we can procure not less than 500 buses and cargo trucks to start with, and as time goes on, we add other fleets.”

Mr. Kale made these announcements during a familiarization tour of the company’s operations in Koforidua, Eastern Region. After inspecting the main bus terminal, the Managing Director, accompanied by his Deputy in charge of Operations and Technical, Haruon Apaw-Wiredu, and other top management members, held a meeting with workers at the company’s depot.

During the meeting, the Managing Director assured staff of management’s commitment to improving conditions of service, implementing overdue promotions, instituting a welfare scheme and insurance packages, and enhancing security for all employees.