Getting transportation conundrum right: Investing in rail
The promise of resuscitating the railway sector and seeing trains as an integral part of the transportation mix of Ghana was an exciting prospect.
This was the ecstasy with which I received and processed the promise by President Nana Akufo Addo to make the railway sector work again!
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Designating an entire ministry for railways in my opinion represented true intentionality.
Though several steps have so far been taken to make the promises good, the pace and progress of work seem to have slowed, if not halted entirely.
The only train, which used to work on the Accra-Tema route, has stopped running for quite some time. The true believers have thus been rendered quiet.
Making railway transport an important part of transportation in Ghana must, however, not remain a pipe dream.
Despite delays in realising the intentions, Ghana must look ahead and plan for a future with trains. Planning must focus on protecting and consolidating investments made as well as progressively advancing the sector through technology and innovation.
There is an urgent need to upgrade through electrification of existing new lines.
Upgrading railway stations to modern standards and eventually development of high-speed train network interconnecting major cities must be a priority.
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Reinvent
Ghana cannot reinvent the wheel regarding protection, consolidation and expansion of existing investments in the railway sector.
Examples abound globally on how to establish, operate and manage a profitable and efficient railways system.
The focus must be to ensure that the sector works through deliberate actions to grant full autonomy to a designated institution or body regarding operations, management and further investments.
The autonomy must be founded on clear mandate that specifies deliverables on volumes and number of passengers/goods to be transported for specific periods, revenue projections, forms of expansions and investments to be undertaken (lines and routes) and management efficiency.
There must be value for money!
First
As a first step, the focus should be on easing transportation in large cities and urban areas to facilitate the movement of people, goods and services.
A transportation value chain approach must be taken through the development of clear and seamless linkages with road transport and sustainable urban busing system.
This has been done by other countries. The blue print is available to learn from to avoid floundering.
Ticketing must as matter of prudence be digitised to ensure accountability and constant reinvestment.
Ensuring that the ticketing systems works effectively is important since the ability to maintain the engines, lines and lines depends on revenues generated.
The case of the Metro Mass Transit Service, where large number of buses have been grounded, must serve as important source of learning.
While ensuring that investments are protected and consolidated, due attention must be paid to safety and safety standards.
Resent train accidents clearly highlights the importance of public education as we consider reintegrating trains into the transportation mix.
Safety must not be an afterthought but a core part of planning and training of operators and drivers.
The vision of resuscitating trains is a good one and must be pursued deliberately.
The writer is a lecturer, University of Education, Winneba. E-mail: [email protected]