IPNEWS: The Managing Director of the National Transit Authority (NTA), Hon. Edmund Forh, has announced a series of major reforms aimed at modernizing Liberia’s public transportation system. The initiatives include the procurement of new buses and cargo trucks, the introduction of an electronic ticketing system, and the rehabilitation of transport terminals across the country.
Speaking Tuesday at a Ministry of Information press briefing, Forh said the reforms are part of the NTA’s broader rebranding and modernization agenda designed to enhance efficiency, accountability, and service delivery.
He disclosed that the authority is currently procuring additional vehicles to strengthen public transport services nationwide. The procurement package includes passenger buses and cargo trucks intended to improve mobility and support economic activity, particularly in rural communities.
According to him, the NTA initially planned to acquire 20 units of 19-seater buses. However, challenges emerged when suppliers proposed delivering 15-seater vehicles instead of the agreed specifications.
Forh explained that the proposal was rejected after consultations with the Ministry of State and the Ministry of Transport. He said the matter was reviewed to protect government interest and ensure value for money, resulting in a revised agreement and a reduction in procurement costs.
“The process was carefully reviewed to ensure that taxpayers receive value for money,” Forh stated.
He added that the procurement process has advanced significantly, with approval already granted by the Ministry of Finance. The contract is now awaiting final legal clearance from the Ministry of Justice before the delivery of vehicles can commence.
The NTA Managing Director also confirmed the planned procurement of five cargo trucks to support the transportation of goods, particularly agricultural produce from farming communities to urban markets.
As part of its modernization drive, Forh announced that the NTA is preparing to roll out an electronic ticketing system that will gradually replace manual fare collection. The system is expected to improve transparency, reduce cash handling, and strengthen financial accountability within the transport sector.
He further revealed that the authority is working with technical partners, including consultants from India, to enhance maintenance systems, build technical capacity, and establish more sustainable fleet management practices.
In addition, Forh said the NTA is collaborating with international partners under climate-related initiatives, including the Green Climate Fund, to explore environmentally sustainable transport solutions and reduce emissions.
He noted that data-driven decision-making will become central to NTA operations, with ongoing efforts to analyze passenger movement patterns, identify high-demand routes, and improve scheduling and service delivery.
The authority is also rehabilitating and upgrading several transport terminals nationwide, some of which were previously damaged or destroyed. According to Forh, the upgrades are intended to provide safer, more organized, and more functional facilities for both passengers and transport operators.
He further indicated that some of the newly acquired buses will support a Special Presidential Project aimed at strengthening public transportation services across Liberia. The initiative is also expected to enhance cargo movement and improve market access for farmers and traders.
Forh emphasized that all procurement processes are being conducted in line with national regulations and under the supervision of the Public Procurement and Concessions Commission (PPCC), with final review by the Ministry of Justice.
He described the reforms as more than a fleet expansion exercise, stating that they represent a broader effort to build a modern, reliable, and accountable public transportation system capable of meeting the needs of Liberians.
“We are building a transport system that will serve the people efficiently and contribute to national development,” he said.
The NTA Managing Director reaffirmed the authority’s commitment to transforming public transport in Liberia and expressed appreciation to the Government of Liberia, development partners, and the public for their continued support of the reform agenda.
