Online, the Highstreet Journal, January 19, 2026
CUTS International proposes data-driven, strict route-based licensing in Accra, using census and mobility data to match bus numbers with demand, reduce congestion, improve commuter experience, ensure fair competition, and fix chronic transport planning failures.
As commuters continue to endure long queues at bus stops, endless traffic jams, and exploitation by trotro drivers, policy think tank CUTS International says the city’s transport crisis is not simply about too few buses, but about too little planning.
As part of proposals to help the government address the situation, in addition to the establishment of an Accra City Transport Authority, CUTS Accra is pushing for a strict route-based licensing regime that uses real data, not mere guesswork, to decide how many vehicles should operate on each route in Accra.
With this idea, CUTS believes that matching transport supply with actual demand using real census and mobility data will be crucial in dealing with the menace.
From Chaos to Coordination
Under the current situation, CUTS Accra believes that it is possible that there could be too many vehicles crowding some routes while others are underserved. CUTS argues that this imbalance can be fixed if the government enforces route licensing under LI 2180 using census data and mobility patterns.
In practical terms, authorities would study where people live, where they work, and how they move during the day. Based on this, regulators would determine the optimal number of buses, trotros, or minibuses needed on each corridor. There could address to the phenomenon of random entry into what appear to be lucrative routes.
In addition, it could also help to deal with the shortages on essential routes.
Why Data Matters
CUTS Accra further explains that using census and mobility data means transport planning reflects real life. Routes with heavy morning and evening demand would receive more licensed vehicles.
Areas with lower demand would not be flooded with excess buses fighting for passengers. For commuters, this could mean shorter waiting times and more predictable journeys.
CUTS insists this approach only works if backed by strong institutions. That is why it is also calling for the creation of an Accra City Transportation Authority with legal powers to plan routes, terminals, and services across all metropolitan assemblies.
“CUTS is calling for the establishment of an Accra City Transportation Authority with legal power to plan routes, terminals, and services across all assemblies,” the press release noted.
It added that, “additionally, strict route-based licensing under LI 2180 using census and mobility data to determine optimal fleet numbers can help address demand and supply imbalances.”
Beyond One-Off Fixes
The think tank stresses that infrastructure investment must be sustained, not occasional. Dedicated bus lanes, proper terminals, and modern public transport systems are needed to support the licensing regime.
Assemblies must also be retooled, and enforcement strengthened to ensure rules are followed across the city.
As the West African Regional Director of CUTS International, Appiah Kusi Adomako bluntly puts it, Accra’s problem is not just buses. There is a shortage of planning, coordination, and political commitment to treat transport as the lifeline of the city.
“There must also be a sustained public investment in dedicated lanes, terminals, and modern public transport systems. This investment is not a one-off investment. The government must retool assemblies and strengthen enforcement capacity across the metropolitan area,” CUTS noted.
Should policymakers listen to and consider this proposal, it could be a major step toward using modern technology and data-driven route licensing to address Accra’s daily transport struggle and bring relief to passengers.
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