MONROVIA – As pressure mounts on public institutions to deliver reliable services amid economic constraints, the National Transit Authority is positioning itself as a reforming agency focused on governance, efficiency, and public welfare. Since assuming office in 2024, NTA Managing Director Edmund Forh Forh says the Authority has moved to stabilize its finances, strengthen internal controls, and modernize operations while expanding transport access nationwide. Speaking at a Ministry of Information press briefing, Forh outlined a series of reforms ranging from strategic planning and auditing to fleet expansion and employee welfare improvements. The update comes as public transportation remains critical for commuters, security personnel, students, and low-income residents, particularly in urban centers and underserved counties. THE ANALYST’S George C. Flomo reports.
The Managing Director of the National Transit Authority (NTA), Mr. Edmund Forh Forh, has outlined significant governance reforms, infrastructure development, fleet expansion, and employee welfare initiatives undertaken by the Authority since he assumed office in 2024.
Mr. Forh made the disclosure Thursday during the Ministry of Information’s regular press briefing, where he presented the NTA’s 2025 performance update and major operational plans aimed at improving public transportation across Liberia.
Governance and Institutional Reforms
According to the NTA Managing Director, one of the administration’s first priorities was strengthening governance and institutional systems. He disclosed that the Authority has successfully developed a five-year strategic plan, which now serves as a guiding framework for all NTA operations.
In line with that plan, the Authority also developed and implemented a Human Resource Manual, approved by the NTA Board of Directors, along with employee handbooks and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure efficiency and accountability across departments.
Mr. Forh further revealed that upon taking office, management commissioned the General Auditing Commission (GAC) to conduct an entry audit to independently verify the state of the institution.
“We wanted an independent verifier to state what we met and what we are leaving behind,” he said, adding that periodic audits will now be conducted going forward.
Out of 73 audit recommendations issued by the GAC, Mr. Forh reported that 36 have already been implemented, while others require substantial financial investment.
Financial Challenges and Employee Welfare
The NTA boss disclosed that the institution was financially distressed when the current management took over, with records showing as little as L$113,000 and US$41 in available funds, while several accounts were in deficit.
Despite these challenges, the Authority has made significant progress in employee welfare. For the first time in more than seven years, health insurance coverage has been included in the 2025 NTA budget.
To support this initiative, the Authority established an Occupational Health and Safety Department to handle workplace safety and emergency health matters.
Salary harmonization was also undertaken to address disparities among staff. Mr. Forh disclosed that all managers now earn a minimum of US$1,000, while the minimum salary for all NTA employees has been increased to US$200, with further adjustments anticipated as revenue improves.
Infrastructure Development
Addressing sanitation concerns, Mr. Forh said the Authority inherited a workforce of nearly 400 employees with only two bathroom facilities. Management has since constructed six modern bathroom units to improve hygiene.
The Authority has also successfully connected its compound to the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC) grid after purchasing and installing its own transformer. A modern powerhouse is currently under construction to replace the old facility.
In the counties, the NTA rehabilitated its Ganta guest house to accommodate employees operating on outstation routes.
Mr. Forh further announced that construction of a new NTA Administrative Building began in 2025 after the previous structure was destroyed by fire. The building is expected to be completed by July 2026, according to the engineering schedule.
Additionally, the Authority plans to rehabilitate four major terminals in Gbarnga, Bo Waterside, Buchanan, and Cape Mount, which were constructed in 2014 but have severely deteriorated over the years.
A new terminal is also being constructed in Red Light, Paynesville, on land provided through the support of the city mayor. The terminal is expected to be completed within three months.
Mr. Forh disclosed that the NTA has received 35 brand-new 62-seater buses out of a planned procurement of 60 vehicles, following a contract signed with ABK Incorporated, a Liberian-owned company.
The remaining 20 air-conditioned 18-seater buses and five cargo trucks are expected to arrive before the end of the first quarter of 2026.
As a result of fleet expansion, the NTA has restored and expanded several routes, including services to Zwedru, Harper, Kakata, Harbel, and multiple routes within Monrovia. Plans are also underway to open routes to Bopolu and other parts of Gbarpolu County.
Fuel and Operations
To ensure uninterrupted operations, the Authority rehabilitated its fuel storage system, increased capacity to 35,000 gallons, and installed a new fuel dispenser to support field stations.
An NTA office has also been opened in Maryland County, where locally recruited staff now support twice-weekly operations.
Social Support Programs
Mr. Forh reaffirmed the NTA’s commitment to social inclusion, noting that persons with disabilities, children under five, and uniformed security officers continue to ride NTA buses free of charge.
He clarified that free rides for security personnel apply strictly to those in uniform, except where valid identification is presented and approved by conductors.
Plans are also underway to introduce discounted student passes for students from kindergarten to 12th grade, as well as special travel benefits for retired NTA employees and senior citizens aged 70 and above, who will enjoy a 50 percent fare reduction.
Training and Capacity Building
The Managing Director disclosed that several unskilled young employees were sponsored to attend the Monrovia Vocational Training Center (MVTC) to study plumbing, masonry, carpentry, auto mechanics, and electrical works—fully funded by the NTA.
Some of these trainees are currently contributing to ongoing construction projects at the NTA compound under professional supervision.
Vehicle Safety Assurance
Addressing public concerns regarding reports of mechanical issues with the newly arrived buses, Mr. Forh assured that no major defects were found. He said the manufacturer has agreed to send technical representatives to further inspect the vehicles and reassure the public.
“We have nothing fundamentally wrong with those vehicles,” he emphasized.