Transport Minister Joseph Nikpe Bukari has assured commuters that fares on the newly deployed peak-hour buses will remain the same approved rates agreed between transport unions and the Ministry.

He said passengers will pay the usual charges despite the involvement of additional public and private operators to ease Accra’s worsening evening transport crisis.

Speaking on The Super Morning Show on Joy FM on Thursday, the Minister stressed that the intervention is not a special service with new pricing.

“They are paying the normal approved fees that they used to pay daily. If from Accra to Adenta is 10 cedis, they pay 10 cedis. That is what is applicable,” he explained.

The government this week launched an emergency bus support programme across four major corridors in Accra, following widespread complaints from commuters who struggle to secure vehicles after work. The initiative—rolled out on Wednesday, December 10—aims to reduce long queues, fare hikes, and the unreliability of evening transport services in the capital.

Joseph Bukari said several private transport companies will be engaged to augment the fleet if necessary.

“I have instructed the MD of STC to meet with some private companies. If they have vehicles, we can make them available for such operations,” he noted.

He added that the core challenge is a shortage of vehicles during peak hours, not an unwillingness by commuters to pay for services.

The Transport Minister reiterated that the buses will operate the standard urban routes and use the same fare structure regulated by the Ministry.