NATIONAL NEWS
MONROVIA – The National Transit Authority (NTA) has marked one year of uninterrupted passenger transport service to Liberia’s southeastern counties, with citizens praising President Joseph Nyuma Boakai for a program they say has significantly reduced travel costs and improved access to the region.
By: Trokon S. Wrepue – trokon1992seokin@gmail.com
The anniversary celebration, held recently at the NTA headquarters in Monrovia, brought together passengers, NTA Managing Director Edmund Forh Forh, his deputies, and members of the Authority’s senior management team to commemorate what officials described as a major milestone in public transportation.
Launched on July 25, 2025, the southeastern transport route has provided regular passenger services to Grand Gedeh, River Gee, Maryland, and nearby counties.
Before the introduction of the service, travelers often endured difficult and expensive journeys, particularly during the rainy season, with some forced to travel through neighboring Côte d’Ivoire because of poor road conditions.
According to the NTA, the service has completed 169 successful trips over the past year, transporting 12,461 passengers, excluding children under the age of five. An additional 983 children benefited from the Authority’s Free Rider Policy, allowing them to travel free of charge.
Passenger records show that Maryland County accounted for the highest number of travelers, with 8,107 passengers. River Gee County recorded 3,221 passengers, while Grand Gedeh County registered 1,133 passengers during the period under review.
Speaking at the celebration, NTA Managing Director Edmund Forh Forh thanked passengers for their continued trust and support, describing them as key partners in the Authority’s success.
“Today marks one year since we opened the route to the Southeast,” Forh said. “We thank all of our passengers for believing in the NTA. Your support has encouraged us to continue improving public transportation across Liberia.”
He encouraged commuters to report complaints or inappropriate conduct by staff through the NTA’s hotline, emphasizing that public feedback is essential to improving service delivery and strengthening accountability.
Looking ahead, Forh announced plans to expand bus services to Sinoe, Grand Kru, and River Cess counties once road conditions permit regular operations. He also revealed that the Authority is preparing to launch cargo truck services to transport goods and construction materials across Liberia at affordable rates.
“If you are a business person in Grand Gedeh, River Gee and Maryland, simply call the NTA and we will transport your goods at a minimum cost. This initiative will help reduce the cost of doing business and ultimately lower the prices of goods for our people,” he said.
Passengers attending the anniversary celebration expressed appreciation to both the NTA and President Boakai for making travel to the Southeast more affordable.
“Before this service, we were paying between L$30,000 and L$40,000 to travel home. Today, we pay only L$5,500 to reach Maryland County,” one passenger said. “We give God the glory for this government.”
Another traveler described the initiative as a major achievement, saying, “All thanks and appreciation go to President Joseph Boakai and the NTA. I am humbled to appreciate the government for this important achievement.”
The one-year anniversary represents a significant milestone in the National Transit Authority’s broader strategy to expand reliable public transportation across Liberia.
The initiative also underscores the Government of Liberia’s commitment to improving national connectivity by providing citizens with safe, affordable, and accessible transport services throughout the country.
