“Where Are the Buses?” Stakeholders Challenge SLPTA Over Waka Fine Bus Availability
Deborah Sorie The Sierra Leone Public Transport Authority (SLPTA) is facing scrutiny over the availability of Waka Fine buses after stakeholders questioned whether the number of buses reported as operational matches what commuters are actually seeing on the roads.
The concerns were raised during the Ministry of Finance’s discussions on the 2027 budget, where Civil Society Organisations, Non-State Actors and District Public Oversight Committees demanded clearer statistics and supporting documents to assess the Authority’s performance and funding request.
Regina Kombay-Kajue, who described herself as a supporter of Waka Fine, said she waited for nearly two hours for a bus in Murray Town before resorting to alternative transport.
She questioned the whereabouts of buses reported by SLPTA as operational, saying her observations suggested that only about 15 to 20 buses were regularly visible on the roads.
SLPTA Director General Isaac Ken Green acknowledged the concerns, apologised to stakeholders and promised to provide the additional information and documentation requested.
He said the Authority is operating with approximately 38 staff, placing significant pressure on its capacity to regulate public transport nationwide.
Sannoh attributed the reduced bus availability partly to rising fuel prices and operational costs.
He said fares have remained low despite increases in fuel prices, affecting the operator’s ability to maintain the fleet.
He disclosed that the Ministry of Finance had approved fuel subsidy support for Metro Transport Company, which operates Waka Fine, to help increase the number of buses on the road.
According to Sannoh, Waka Fine currently carries about 10,000 passengers daily along the Lumley–Central Bus Station and Allen Town–Central Bus Station corridors.
He further identified fare evasion, maintenance delays, staff shortages and inadequate monitoring systems as continuing challenges.
SLPTA is requesting additional 2027 funding to strengthen regulation, digital monitoring, enforcement and oversight of taxis, poda-podas, kekehs and commercial motorcycle operators.
The Authority says stronger investment is required to improve public transport reliability and accountability.