Tro tro

Last updated

Tro tro in Accra Trotro lettering.jpg
Tro tro in Accra
Mates calling for passengers
A mate looking out a tro tro Tro Tro 04.jpg
A mate looking out a tro tro
Trotro in Accra 2009 Trotro in Accra 2009 B002.jpg
Trotro in Accra 2009

In Ghana and neighboring countries, tro tro are privately owned minibus share taxis that travel fixed routes leaving when filled to capacity. [1] While there are tro tro stations, these vehicles for hire can also be boarded anywhere along the route. [2]

Contents

Operated by a driver and a conductor (who collects money, shouts out the destination, and can also be called a "mate"), many are decorated with slogans and religious sayings. [3] Fewer tro tros operate on Sundays. [4]

The term is believed to derive from the Ga word tro, "threepence", because the conductors usually asked for "three three pence", which was the standard bus fare in the 1940s, when Ghana still uses the British West African pound and later the Ghanaian pound. [5] [6]

Alternatively, its origin is not "three times three pence" but rather "threepence [thruhpnce, tro] each": doubling a coin's name in the vernacular means "that coin for each person (or item)". Three pence was the price per passenger in the early 1960s, when pounds/shillings/pence were still in use, including threepence coins, before decimalization of the currency into cedi and pesewa in 1965. [7]

Ghana

Used by 70% of Ghanaian commuters, tro tro is the most popular form of transport for work and shopping in the country as of 2010. [8] Large buses also provide public transport in Accra, Ghana, as of 2008 [AICD 1] and are patronized by people of different social classes. [9]

A Mercedes-Benz Sprinter bus with a mate Trootro-mate1.jpg
A Mercedes-Benz Sprinter bus with a mate

Regulation

In Ghana, tro tro are licensed by the government, but the industry is self-regulated. [2] There was no independent transport authority as of 2008 in the capital, Accra. [AICD 2]

In the absence of a regulatory environment, groups called syndicates oversee minibus share taxis like tro tro in Africa. These may collect dues, set routes, manage terminals, and fix fares. [AICD 3] In Accra as of 2008, such syndicates include GPRTU and PROTOA. [AICD 4]

Despite the regulatory challenges, the service would lend itself to some regulation during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ghana. This allowed it to record significant levels (98%) of compliance to guidelines on physical distancing, although guidelines on individual use of face masks were more difficult to enforce. [10]

'trotro' in Ghana 'trotro' in Ghana.jpg
'trotro' in Ghana

See also

Further reading

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Transport in Ghana</span> System of transport in Ghana

Transport in Ghana is accomplished by road, rail, air and water. Ghana's transportation and communications networks are centered in the southern regions, especially the areas in which gold, cocoa, and timber are produced. The northern and central areas are connected through a major road system.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Accra</span> Capital and the largest city of Ghana

Accra is the capital and largest city of Ghana, located on the southern coast at the Gulf of Guinea, which is part of the Atlantic Ocean. As of 2021 census, the Accra Metropolitan District, 20.4 km2 (7.9 sq mi), had a population of 284,124 inhabitants, and the larger Greater Accra Region, 3,245 km2 (1,253 sq mi), had a population of 5,455,692 inhabitants. In common usage, the name "Accra" often refers to the territory of the Accra Metropolitan District as it existed before 2008, when it covered 199.4 km2 (77.0 sq mi). This territory has since been split into 13 local government districts: 12 independent municipal districts and the reduced Accra Metropolitan District (20.4 km2), which is the only district within the capital to be granted city status. This territory of 199.4 km2 contained 1,782,150 inhabitants at the 2021 census, and serves as the capital of Ghana, while the district under the jurisdiction of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly proper (20.4 km2) is distinguished from the rest of the capital as the "City of Accra".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kotoka International Airport</span> International airport in Accra, Ghana

Kotoka International Airport is an international airport in Accra, the capital of Ghana. The airport is operated by Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL), which has its offices on the airport property. It is the sole international airport in Ghana.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Threepence (British coin)</span> Former coin of the United Kingdom and other territories

The British threepence piece, usually simply known as a threepence, thruppence, or thruppenny bit, was a denomination of sterling coinage worth 180 of one pound or 14 of one shilling. It was used in the United Kingdom, and earlier in Great Britain and England. Similar denominations were later used throughout the British Empire and Commonwealth countries, notably in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ghanaian cedi</span> Currency of Ghana

The cedi is the unit of currency of Ghana. It is the fourth historical and only current legal tender in the Republic of Ghana. One cedi is divided into one hundred pesewas (Gp).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">£sd</span> Pre-decimal currencies

£sd is the popular name for the pre-decimal currencies once common throughout Europe, especially in the British Isles and hence in several countries of the British Empire and subsequently the Commonwealth. The abbreviation originates from the Latin currency denominations librae, solidi, and denarii. In the United Kingdom, these were referred to as pounds, shillings, and pence.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Share taxi</span> Mode of transport which falls between both taxicabs and buses

A share taxi is a mode of transport which falls between a taxicab and a bus. These vehicles for hire are typically smaller than buses and usually take passengers on a fixed or semi-fixed route without timetables, but instead departing when all seats are filled. They may stop anywhere to pick up or drop off their passengers. Often found in developing countries, the vehicles used as share taxis range from four-seat cars to minibuses. They are often owner-operated.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tamale, Ghana</span> Major City in Northern Region, Ghana

Tamale, officially called Tamale Metropolitan Area is the capital city of the Northern Region of Ghana. Tamale is Ghana's third largest city. It has a projected population of 950,124 according to the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly Official Website. It is the fastest-growing city in West Africa. It is located 600 km (370 mi) north of Accra. Most residents of Tamale are Muslims and Dagombas by tribe, as reflected by the multitude of mosques in Tamale, most notably the Central Mosque, Afa Ajura Mosque, Afa Basha mosque and The Ahmadiyyah Muslim mission Mosque.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Minibus</span> Passenger-carrying motor vehicle (12-30 seats)

A minibus, microbus, minicoach, or commuter is a passenger-carrying motor vehicle that is designed to carry more people than a multi-purpose vehicle or minivan, but fewer people than a full-size bus. In the United Kingdom, the word "minibus" is used to describe any full-sized passenger-carrying van or panel truck. Minibuses have a seating capacity of between 12 and 30 seats. Larger minibuses may be called midibuses. Minibuses are typically front engine step-in vehicles, although low floor minibuses are particularly common in Japan.

<i>Marshrutka</i> Fixed-route taxicab

Marshrutka or marshrutnoe taksi or routed taxicab, are share taxis found in Eastern Europe and the republics of the former Soviet Union. Usually vans, they drive along set routes, depart only when all seats are filled, and may have higher fares than buses. Passengers can board a marshrutka anywhere along its route if there are seats available.

Each "article" in this category is a collection of entries about many stamp issuers, presented in alphabetical order. The entries are formulated on the micro model and so provide summary information about all known issuers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dala dala</span> Minibus share taxis in Tanzania

Dala dala are minibus share taxis in Tanzania. These converted trucks and minibuses are the primary public transportation system in the country. While the name originates from the English word "dollar", they are also referred to as thumni.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Matatu</span> Public transportation minibuses in Kenya

In Kenya matatu or matatus are privately owned minibuses used as share taxis. Often decorated, many matatu feature portraits of famous people or slogans and sayings. Likewise, the music they play is also aimed at quickly attracting riders. Over 70% of commuter trips are taken using matatu in cities like Nairobi.

Pokuase, also spelled Pokoasi, is a suburb of Accra, the capital city of Ghana and spans the area from Pokuase, leading off the Accra-Kumasi motorway on the right coming from Accra central; and leading off the motorway at Pokuase Junction and rising to ‘Okai Kwei Hill’, on the left coming from town. It is a mixture of lively retail shopping areas, with local stores, bars or 'drinking spots', bus/taxi stations, and a market. It also has many hotels, guest houses and rental apartments- such as the eco-chic Legassi Gardens Apartments-, and 'high-end' developing residential estates, such as Ofankor Hills Estates and Franko Estates, amongst many others; as well as the long-established executive gated community of ACP Estates.; and HFS Estates which borders the erstwhile Gua Koo Sacred Grove in Pokuase.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Uroa</span>

Uroa, sometimes spelled Urowa, is a small, rural coastal village on central eastern parts of Unguja in Tanzania. It is situated in the Chwaka Constituency in the Unguja South Region. It is located in the Uroa Bay, approximately halfway between the villages of Kiwengwa and Chwaka; 21.7 miles (34.9 km) north of Zanzibar Town. It is located 5.6 miles (9.0 km) north of Chwaka and 7.1 miles (11.4 km) south of Kiwengwa. Uroans mostly live on fishing and seaweed farming; tourism is also developing in the area, although to a lesser extent than on the south-eastern coast around Jambiani. It is a small and centerless village with resorts on the southern and northern side of its bay. It is home to only six stores and is recognized as a traditional, slow-paced, and spread-out village. Uroa Village stretches in a narrow, long line from south to north along the coastline, appropriately named Uroa Beach. The elevation of the town is only 3.2 feet on average. Its economy has traditionally relied on fishing and seaweed collecting, but has since 2008 experienced a growth in tourist accommodation. In addition, recent years have also seen an increase in governmental jobs such as health workers, administrators and teachers. New sources of income have contributed to an increased median income for Uroans, however, the income is fairly unequally distributed. For instance, the monthly income for seaweed farmers represent only U.S. $7 per farmer, while Uroans working in the tourist industry makes U.S. $65 on average per month.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nungwi</span> Village in Zanzibar, Tanzania

Nungwi, or Ras Nungwi, is a large village located in the far northern end of the island of Zanzibar. With a population of about 5,563, Nungwi is the second- or third-largest settlement on the island, possibly smaller than Makunduchi. It is situated in the Nungwi Ward in the Kaskazini A District of the Unguja North Region. It is about 35 miles (56 km) north of Zanzibar Town on the Nungwi Peninsula, about an hour drive from Stone Town. To the south Nungwi shares a border with the neighboring Matemwe- and Tazari villages. Nungwi was traditionally a fishing village and dhow-building center, but is now a popular tourist destination, and for instance recognized in CNN’s list of "100 best beaches of the world" in 2014. West Nungwi has changed a lot since the 1990s and is now a popular tourist destination with numerous resorts, restaurants, bars, stores, etc. East Nungwi is quieter and generally more laid-back.

Africa World Airlines Limited (AWA) is a Ghanaian airline company that was incorporated in 2010 and commenced flights in 2012. It has its head office in Airport City Accra, and its main hub at Kotoka International Airport in Accra.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Visa policy of Ghana</span> Policy on permits required to enter Ghana

Visitors to Ghana must obtain a visa from one of the Ghanaian diplomatic missions unless they come from one of the countries or territories that are either visa exempt or whose citizens may obtain a visa on arrival.

Tourism in Ghana is regulated by the Ministry of Tourism of Ghana. This ministry is responsible for the development and promotion of tourism related activities in Ghana.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ghanaian government response to the COVID-19 pandemic</span> Actions by the Ghanaian government on COVID-19 pandemic

The Government of Ghana initially responded to the virus through a nationwide disinfection and fumigation exercise which began in April 2020. In order to curb the spread of the virus, the government enforced lockdowns, aggressive contact tracing, public bans and social measures such as encouraging the wearing of face masks. By April, it began the gradual reopening of the country; lifting all lockdowns while maintaining protocols such as social distancing. Throughout the pandemic, the government partnered with the private sector in order to roll out economic reliefs and recovery programs as a result of the impact of the pandemic on Ghana's economy. There was also an expansion of medical facilities and the improvement of testing logistics.

References

  1. 1 2 Report from the Field: The Tro-Tro – An Essential Mode of Transport in Accra, Ghana by Susan Blaustein. blogs.ei.columbia.edu, 9.29.2010
  2. Ghana: The Bradt Travel Guide (page 69) Philip Briggs. Bradt Travel Guides, 2007. 4th ed. 416 pages. 1841622052, 9781841622057 (Google Books)
  3. "tro-tro - Definition of tro-tro in English by Oxford Dictionaries". Oxford Dictionaries - English. Archived from the original on August 26, 2018.
  4. "TroTro: Transport for the People by the People". www.ghanaweb.com.
  5. "Trotro_(Ghana)". www.in-formality.com.
  6. City of Accra, Ghana consultative citizens' report card (page 113) Report No. 55117-GH. The World Bank. 2010/06/01.
  7. Sarfo, J. O. (2016). ‘Bone-shakers’ and contemporary ‘Tro-Tro’ in Ghana: Implications for traffic and transport psychology. Africa: History and Culture, 1(1), 15-20. Retrieved from: http://ejournal48.com/pdf.html?n=1472719700.pdf
  8. Dzisi, Emmanuel Komla Junior; Dei, Oscar Akunor (2020-08-03). "Adherence to social distancing and wearing of masks within public transportation during the COVID 19 pandemic". Transportation Research Interdisciplinary Perspectives. 7: 100191. doi: 10.1016/j.trip.2020.100191 . ISSN   2590-1982. PMC   7396893 . PMID   34173465.
  1. Stuck in Traffic; Urban Transport in Africa (page xiii) Archived 2012-09-17 at the Wayback Machine Ajay Kumar & Fanny Barrett. Africa Infrastructure Country Diagnostic in cooperation with the World Bank, January 2008. Draft Final Report.
  2. Barrett & Kumar, page 14
  3. Barrett & Kumar, page xiv
  4. Barrett & Kumar, page 9