Abstract:
Many cities face a myriad of accessibility challenges that could be linked to
unsustainable mobility systems (UN-Habitat, 2013a). The Government of
Ghana has been saddled with the challenge of solving urban mobility problems
(Ministry of Transport, 2016). One cardinal area of interest in the urban
transport policy reforms has been the introduction of Mass Rapid Transit
(MRT) system. The study explored factors that would make the introduction of
MRT systems work in Greater Accra Metropolitan Area (GAMA) and other
urban areas in Ghana. It identified the infrastructure and institutional
arrangements for MRT implementation in Accra, factors that would motivate
small private motor vehicle owners to park and use Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)
and the perception of users of the piloted Commuter Rail Transit (CRT) of its
performance. Following a pragmatic approach, it dwelt on both the positivists
and interpretivists’ research approach. The study identified that small private
motor vehicle users would be motivated to use BRT if buses are punctual and
frequent, comfortable and neat, and safe while riding. The CRT also received
good commendation from users for avoiding traffic, reducing travelling time,
charging affordable fares and leaving on time. Challenges that with respect to
the implementation of the two modes of MRT included the poor infrastructure
base of the CRT and lack of the political will to implement a full-scale BRT in
Accra. The study recommended among others, the development of Mass Rapid
Transit (MRT) routes to ensure the integration of different transportation
modes and infrastructure, proper stakeholder consultation in the designing of
BRT systems and the implementation of a full-scale BRT in the Greater Accra
Metropolitan Area.
