GAPTE contra-flow system cuts Adenta-Accra travel time to 23 minutes

The Greater Accra Passenger Transport Executive (GAPTE) has announced a significant reduction in travel times for commuters following the implementation of its contra-flow traffic management system. Since its launch on September 29, 2026, the service has transformed the morning peak-hour journey from Adenta to Accra Central, reducing a trip that previously took 150 minutes to just 23 minutes. The system is currently operating across three major corridors, including Adenta, Amasaman, and Kasoa, providing a faster alternative to the chronic congestion that typically plagues these routes.

Managing Director of GAPTE, Mr. Dawuda Awudu, reported that the Aayalolo contra-flow service is now transporting over 8,000 passengers daily. This high volume of commuters includes workers, traders, and students who have shifted to the dedicated bus lanes to avoid gridlock. In addition to the morning success, evening travel times have also seen improvement, with commutes now averaging between 28 and 32 minutes. The system’s impact is particularly evident in areas with heavy rush-hour traffic, such as Pokuase and Amasaman, where commuters previously spent hours in transit.

To keep up with the rising demand for the service, GAPTE is intensifying efforts to increase its fleet size. Mr. Awudu noted that the executive is currently focused on repairing older buses and exploring the acquisition of new vehicles to enhance the frequency of the contra-flow runs. He emphasized that the primary objective of the initiative is to improve public mobility and alleviate the socioeconomic costs of traffic congestion rather than strictly maximizing revenue. As public compliance and safety standards remain high, GAPTE continues to monitor the corridors to ensure the sustainability of these travel time gains.