“BRT will curb congestion, boost productivity and economic growth” – KMA transport director

Mr. Randy Wilson, the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) Transport Director, has highlighted the critical need for an efficient transportation system in Kumasi, emphasizing that the upcoming Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project will address crippling traffic congestion and boost productivity for the city’s residents.

Wilson’s comments, made during a recent discussion, underscored the severe impact that inefficient transportation has on the city’s economy and the daily lives of its citizens. He explained that the current situation where people are spending excessive time in traffic is not only costly but also significantly diminishes productivity.

“As we spend a lot of time in traffic, the cost goes very high. People’s productive activities also reduce,” Wilson stated, highlighting the detrimental effects of prolonged commutes on workers and businesses alike. He stressed that the time spent in traffic could instead be utilized for work and other productive pursuits if there was an efficient transport system in place.

Wilson also pointed out that the BRT system would empower citizens to better plan their lives by enabling predictable and reliable commutes. He explained, “If we are able to move from one point to another in a timely manner, you can just plan your life and say that when I get to the bus station at 7 o’clock, it will take 15 or 30 minutes for me to get to my office.” This, he emphasized, is a significant benefit that a well-organized public transit system can offer.

Furthermore, Wilson clarified that the selection of initial routes for the BRT project was data-driven, aiming to maximize impact and minimize disruption during implementation. This approach ensures that the system will cater to the areas with the highest ridership and provide the greatest benefit to the citizens of Kumasi.

By emphasizing the direct link between efficient transportation and productivity, Mr. Wilson has underscored the BRT project’s vital role in driving economic development and improving the quality of life for the people of Kumasi. His remarks serve to highlight the urgency and the potential of the project in transforming the city’s urban mobility.