In response to a growing transportation crisis, National Transit Authority (NTA) Director Edmund Forh has announced the imminent return of NTA buses to major intersections across Monrovia. This move aims to alleviate the significant difficulties citizens face in securing affordable transportation options.
During rush hour, Monrovia’s streets are often clogged with small shared taxis struggling to meet the high demand for low-cost transportation. The limited capacity of these vehicles exacerbates traffic congestion and fails to serve the commuting population adequately.
Despite the presence of numerous buses, their availability has dwindled over the past few years, leaving the public without reliable and affordable transit options. Director Forh attributed this scarcity to the previous administration’s mismanagement, noting that he inherited an NTA filled with neglected and broken buses.
Concerns about transportation have intensified since the Liberian National Police began enforcing new safety measures on motorcycles on May 15, 2024. The crackdown measures have significantly reduced the number of motorbikes available for public transport, causing a ripple effect on commuter options.
While intended to enhance safety, these regulations have inadvertently caused significant challenges for commuters who depend on motorcycles for daily travel. This has resulted in overcrowded commercial taxis and a sudden spike in transportation costs, further straining the public.
Director Forh, who assumed his position just over two months ago, revealed the dire state of the NTA upon his arrival. Out of 39 buses, only five were operational with minor issues, another five were damaged beyond repair, and 29 required major mechanical overhauls.
“We inherited NTA without an administrative building. My deputies and I are currently working from the garage because the entire administrative building was burned down before we took over,” Forh disclosed.
The NTA Boss said the financial state of the NTA was equally bleak, with a mere $41 USD and 113,000 Liberian dollars in its coffers, alongside a debt exceeding one million Liberian dollars.
Despite these challenges, Forh has made strides in restoring the NTA’s capacity. Five additional buses have been repaired and added to the fleet, with 24 more undergoing repairs, expected to be operational soon. “Thanks to a budget allocated under President Joseph Nyumah Boakai’s 100-day deliverables”, he noted.
Director Forh also announced plans to collaborate with partners to acquire more buses to further ease the transportation crisis.
The Ministry of Transportation has yet to address these adverse effects, leaving passengers to cope with increased costs and fewer transport options. Meanwhile, the Liberia National Police have intensified their enforcement, impounding motorcycles and removing them from the streets. This follows the government’s retraction of strict ‘No Go Zone’ restrictions on motorcyclists after negotiations with stakeholders.
The situation underscores the need for a balanced approach to ensure public safety without disrupting daily commutes. As the NTA works to restore and expand its fleet, the hope is that these efforts will provide much-needed relief to Monrovia’s beleaguered commuters, ensuring that the transportation system can meet the demands of its citizens sustainably and reliably.
