Elections 2024: Drivers Torn Between Voting and Business, Leaving Passengers Stranded

Drivers prioritize voting on election day, causing transport disruptions for short-distance routes, while long-distance services continue, highlighting challenges for passengers and operators.

Abbas Ibrahim Moro, the Public Relations Officer of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), has highlighted the unique challenges the transport sector faces on election days. He explained that many drivers, especially those on short-distance and intra-city routes, prioritize voting and often spend the remainder of the day with their families. This leads to reduced availability of vehicles, disrupting transport services for passengers needing to travel short distances.

However, long-distance drivers and high-occupancy buses are less affected, as most continue to operate normally, ensuring intercity travelers are accommodated. Mr. Moro emphasized that while it’s important for drivers to fulfill their civic duties, the transport sector must prepare to minimize disruptions and maintain services for the public.

He added that the GPRTU is committed to improving coordination and strategies to balance drivers’ rights to vote with passengers’ need for reliable transportation on election days.

Meanwhile on Friday, bus shortages and overcrowded terminals led to significant disruptions for both prospective voters and business owners across the country. Citizens flocked to bus stations, hoping to travel and cast their votes in their respective constituencies, resulting in overcrowding and long waits at major terminals.

The Kwame Nkrumah Interchange, commonly known as “Circle,” witnessed chaotic scenes as travelers jostled and elbowed one another to secure seats on buses. Many passengers, desperate to vote, were stranded as they struggled to find transportation.