Kumasi, July 9, GNA - The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly, (KMA) is to pass a new by-law on Urban Passenger Transport System (UPTS) that would regulate vehicular movements in the Metropolis. The aim is to ensure efficiency and sanity in the transport system in the city as well as restore the confidence the public have in the bus system.

Under the system, KMA would enter into a contract with an operator or a group of operators and bus unions to provide specified services along specified routes.

Madam Patricia Appiagyei, the Metropolitan Chief Executive, who announced this at an Assembly meeting in Kumasi on Tuesday said, in addition, the Assembly shall prepare and approve a public transport plan, terms of operation, fares as well as vehicular movements for areas under its jurisdiction.

She said failure to comply with the new arrangements would attract a fine or imprisonment of six months or both to ensure strict compliance. Madam Appiagyei said the system, under the sponsorship of the World Bank and Government would ease traffic congestion in the Metropolis, which now has a population of about two million representing 10 per cent of the country's population. She said the system which would begin in Kumasi would later be replicated in other cities. Madam Appiagyei called on the public and the various transport unions to help make the system successful when it's finally introduced. Mr Anthony Osei-Poku, the KMA Solicitor said all vehicles would operate under permit and also mentioned operating beyond permitted limits of the routes, carrying passengers in excess and operating at terminals not authorized as wome of offences to come under the new law.