The Sierra Leone Public Transport Authority (SLPTA), bolstered by a $50 million grant from the World Bank Integrated and Resilient Urban Mobility Project and a $2 million government contribution, has extended a helping hand to the informal transport sector.
Through this partnership, SLPTA has procured 50 buses, offering them to informal sector players at a 50% discount with no interest. These buses have been extended to the Drivers Union, Podapoda Transport Owners Association, Passenger Welfare, and Commercial Tricycle Association.
SLPTA has established the Metro Transport Company (MTC) to manage the operation of these buses, empowering the informal sector to expand their operations and generate revenue.
Isaac Ken-Green, Acting Director General of SLPTA, hailed this investment as a “significant milestone for the transportation sector.” He highlighted the launch of the Integrated Urban Mobility Project within the Ministry of Transport and Aviation, with key objectives to enhance public transport, climate r
esilience, road safety, and institutional capacity in the sector.
The SLPTA recognized the need to formalize the informal sector, empowering drivers and paving the way for dividends, pensions, and other tangible benefits. The informal sector had often faced financial hardship in their later years.
The Integrated and Resilient Urban Mobility project has prioritized the modernization and professionalization of public transport services, including informal private operators. This move is intended to enhance public transport in the Western and Eastern part of the country which will attract financial investment.
The conversion of the Sierra Leone Road Transport Corporation (SLRTC) from operator to regulator has been a pivotal initiative. SLPTA has recognized the need for formalization in the informal sector, paving the way for driver empowerment and social benefits.
As regulators, SLPTA is responsible for guiding public transportation management and ensuring driver qualifications. This mandate stems from the S
ierra Leone Public Transport Authority Act of 2023, which established a clear separation between operator and regulator roles.
SLPTA is embracing digitalization with cashless bus tickets, facilitating ease of use for passengers. The organization is also expanding terminals nationwide to improve bus operations and reduce traffic congestion.
This comprehensive transformation marks a new era for the transport sector in Sierra Leone. It empowers informal sector workers, improves infrastructure, and promotes sustainable and equitable urban mobility, paving the way for a more modern and efficient transportation system.
Source: Sierra Leone News Agency
