Tro tro

For the cartoon see Trotro.
Tro tro in Accra.

In Ghana and neighboring countries tro tros are privately owned minibus share taxis that travel fixed routes leaving when filled to capacity.[1] While there are tro tro stations, these vehicles for hire can also be boarded anywhere along the route.[2]

Operated by a driver and a conductor (who collects money, shouts out the destination, and can also be called a "mate"), many are decorated with slogans and sayings, often religious.[3] Few operate on Sundays.[4]

A popular means of transport

Used by 70% of Ghanaian commuters, tro tro are the most popular form of transport for work and shopping in the country as of 2010.[5] Large buses also provide public transport in Accra, Ghana, as of 2008[AICD 1] but may be used by fewer people.

Regulation

In Ghana tro tro are licensed by the government, but the industry is self-regulated.[2] As of 2008 there was no independent transport authority in Accra, Ghana.[AICD 2]

In the absence of a regulatory environment groups called syndicates oversee minibus share taxis like tro tro in Africa. These groups may collect dues, set routes, manage terminals, and fix fares.[AICD 3] In Accra as of 2008 such syndicates include GPRTU and PROTOA.[AICD 4]

See also

References

  1. ↑
  2. 1 2 Report from the Field: The Tro-Tro – An Essential Mode of Transport in Accra, Ghana by Susan Blaustein. blogs.ei.columbia.edu, 9.29.2010
  3. ↑
  4. ↑ Ghana: The Bradt Travel Guide (page 69) Philip Briggs. Bradt Travel Guides, 2007. 4th ed. 416 pages. 1841622052, 9781841622057 (Google Books)
  5. ↑ City of Accra, Ghana consultative citizens' report card (page 113) Report No. 55117-GH. The World Bank. 2010/06/01.
  1. ↑ Stuck in Traffic; Urban Transport in Africa (page xiii) Ajay Kumar & Fanny Barrett. Africa Infrastructure Country Diagnostic in cooperation with the World Bank, January 2008. Draft Final Report.
  2. ↑ Barrett & Kumar, page 14
  3. ↑ Barrett & Kumar, page xiv
  4. ↑ Barrett & Kumar, page 9
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