The State Transport Company (STC) has announced that it is taking urgent steps to address mounting concerns over long waiting times and the condition of some of its buses following growing public frustration at terminals across the country.

Management of the state-owned transport operator stated that plans are underway to add nearly 120 new buses to its fleet before the close of the year.

This move is expected to ease pressure on its overstretched fleet and improve passenger experience nationwide.

The assurance comes after a video circulating on social media showed stranded passengers expressing anger over prolonged delays and what some described as deteriorating service standards at several STC stations.

Passengers in the footage complained about spending hours at terminals and accused the company of poor communication and inadequate customer service.

Technical Inspections and Fleet Demands

In response to the criticism, the company’s Deputy Managing Director for Finance and Administration, Nuru Hamidan, acknowledged the operational difficulties but defended STC’s maintenance procedures, insisting that passenger safety remains the company’s highest priority.

“We have standards that we follow. What differentiates us from other buses is safety. Whenever a bus offloads passengers, it goes straight to the workshop for proper checks before it hits the road again,” he said.

According to Mr Hamidan, the delays being experienced at some terminals are partly the result of these mandatory technical inspections carried out after every journey to ensure vehicles are roadworthy before departing.

He admitted, however, that the company’s current fleet size is insufficient to meet rising passenger demand, especially during peak travel periods, which has contributed to overcrowding and extended waiting hours.

Interim Operations and Strategic Partnerships

The company has faced increasing criticism in recent months from commuters who say delays, scheduling disruptions, and aging buses are affecting confidence in the transport operator.

While awaiting the arrival of the additional buses later this year to stabilise operations, reduce terminal congestion, and improve turnaround times, STC has introduced interim measures.

Management stated that the company has entered into strategic partnerships with other transport operators to help absorb excess passenger demand and minimise disruptions caused by the current shortage of vehicles.

The State Transport Company is one of Ghana’s oldest public transport providers, operating long-distance passenger services across major towns and cities, as well as selected international routes within the West African sub-region.