New Regulatory Framework For Urban Passenger Transport in Ghanian Cities

Abstract

The Ghana Urban Transport Project (GUTP) takes place in Accra and Kumasi, the largest cities. GUTP has three key components: (i) institutional development and capacity building, including a new Urban Passenger Transport regulatory framework; (ii) design and implementation of pilot BRT corridors in Accra and Kumasi; (iii) traffic engineering measures including BRT and urban traffic signal integration. Reform consists of three main elements: (i) restoration of the framework and capacity at local government to regulate and develop UPT; (ii) bringing all regular UPT operations within the regulatory framework, establishing basic standards, and enforcing compliance; (iii) establishing a higher type of licence for routes requiring investment in better vehicles, quality, and organisational capacity, in return for greater protection and longer tenure. For BRT and other key parts of the network, Route Service Contracts will be offered. Actions in 2008 include establishing the national context for implementation, developing and passing Bye-Laws for regulation of UPT in all participating local Assemblies, establishing Urban Passenger Transport Units (UPTUs) in the Assemblies, building capacity, and preparation for route registration. During 2009 all current services will be registered and licenced under basic permit. In 2010 a pilot set of routes will be procured under quality-based contracts.