The government has announced a major intervention to revive the Metro Mass Transit Limited (MMTL), with the delivery of 350 Toyota Hiace mini-buses, 100 Toyota Coaster buses, and 50 cargo trucks expected to begin at the end of 2025.
Transport Minister Joseph Bukari-Nikpe disclosed that the initiative forms part of efforts to expand the operations of Metro Mass and the State Transport Corporation (STC), both of which he described as being in distress.
“By the close of 2025, deliveries will commence and continue into 2026 to ensure that the fleets of Metro Mass and STC are significantly boosted to meet public transport demand across the regions,” the Minister said.
The new vehicles are intended to ease the acute shortage of buses serving intercity, regional, and rural routes.
Mr. Bukari-Nikpe also revealed that government is reviewing several outsourced revenue-generating contracts of the two transport companies, with the aim of reclaiming them to strengthen their financial base.
“The outsourcing of major services has limited the capacity of these companies to generate their own revenue. We are looking at reclaiming those operations to ensure Metro Mass and STC can sustain themselves,” he explained.
The planned rollout is expected to improve reliable and affordable transportation for commuters, especially in rural communities where Metro Mass has long been a lifeline.
However, transport experts warn that simply increasing the fleet may not be enough unless challenges with maintenance, spare parts supply, and operational efficiency are addressed.
The Ministry of Transport has assured that alongside the vehicle procurement, measures are being developed to strengthen management and ensure sustainable operations.
Source: myxyzonline.com/J.W Quarm
