Passengers traveling between Accra and Kasoa have been bypassing commercial vehicles, popularly known as "trotros," in favor of government-provided STC buses, a move that has left many trotros empty. Despite trotros reducing their fares in response to competition, passengers have opted for the free public buses offered by the government to reduce peak-hour traffic congestion.
### Passengers Opt for Free Government Buses
In a recent video, a passenger revealed that trotros had been charging GH¢30 for the Accra–Kasoa route, even though the official fare is GH¢9. Due to a lack of alternative options, passengers had little choice but to pay the inflated fares. However, the situation changed after the government deployed buses to service four major routes in Accra, including Accra–Kasoa.
Since then, many passengers have been walking past the trotros to board the STC buses, which are free of charge. The initiative, aimed at reducing traffic during busy hours, has clearly resonated with commuters, who now prefer the government service over the private commercial vehicles.
### Social Media Reactions to the Shift
YEN.com.gh gathered various reactions from social media users following the development. On Twitter, @kwakuyeboah22 remarked, *"Competition kills greed. The government has brought the dollar down to relieve citizens, but greed won't let people reduce prices. The government should take a cue from this and step up with a proper public transport system. When people are happy, they vote for you."*
Others, like @c_apeku, expressed their approval, writing, *"Government 1 : 0 Troski."* While @Adzoa_Sesi saw a larger application of the government's strategy, saying, *"Imagine if the government also had real affordable housing? Landlords will also adjust accordingly."*
Some users like @aanu004_ felt satisfied by the competition: *"Trotro people are crying saying even after they drop from 15 cedis to 10 cedis, passengers still don’t come. Charley, who will pay 10 cedis when the government bus carries people free to Kasoa? They should learn a small. All these years dem dey chop us left and right with high fares, now competition come, dem wan cry foul. Good move by the government, at least for this Christmas season, traffic will reduce small. Passengers, we dey enjoy."*
### Calls for Broader Government Action
@GHDeservesBest commended the government’s efforts, suggesting that the same strategy could be applied to other sectors, including food vendors and traders who have been slow to adjust prices even as the cedi strengthens against the dollar. The user wrote, *"The government should purchase farm produce directly and sell it in the markets to curb the artificial inflation of prices. This will support economic growth, stabilize the cost of living, and help low-income households."*
However, not everyone agreed with the initiative. @PrincTrump99 argued, *"The government should stop the free buses so the drivers can take care of their families. If they increase it again, then the buses come again and won't leave till thy kingdom comes."*
### Trotro Drivers and Passengers' Complaints
Before the government’s intervention, passengers had voiced their dissatisfaction with the high fares charged by trotros, especially during peak hours. Some complained that the prices were excessive compared to the official rates, with one video showing passengers confronting a trotro mate over unapproved fare hikes. The issue led to widespread frustration, with many calling for more regulation and accountability within the trotro system.
### Conclusion
The government’s deployment of free STC buses has certainly caused a shift in commuter behavior, with many passengers choosing to avoid trotros in favor of the free service. While the move has been praised by commuters and social media users alike, it has sparked ongoing debates about pricing fairness and the need for systemic changes in Ghana’s public transportation system.
Stay tuned for more updates on transport developments and other news across the country.
Source:YEN.com.gh
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