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]
Operated by a driver and a conductor (who collects money, shouts out the destination, and is called a "mate"), many are decorated with slogans and sayings, often religious.[3] Few operate on Sundays.[4]
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Used by 70% of Ghanaian commuters, tro tro are the most popular form of transport for work and shopping in the country as of 2010.[5] Large buses also provide public transport in Accra, Ghana, as of 2008[AICD 1] but may be used by fewer people.
In Ghana tro tro are licensed by the government, but the industry is self-regulated.[2] As of 2008 there was no independent transport authority in Accra, Ghana.[AICD 2]
In the absence of a regulatory environment groups called syndicates oversee minibus share taxis like tro tro in Africa. These groups 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]