MY INTERCITY STC EXPERIENCE

MY INTERCITY STC (STATE TRANSPORT COMPANY) EXPERIENCE

So, I had planned my trip to the capital of Ghana two weeks earlier. By that time, I have already called my contact people to let them of my journey and the subject discussion beforehand.

Intercity STC bus

Now, I had to decide my means of transportation which was probably by road. Normally, I do the long distances on a big bus. I decided to use the state-owned transport provider i.e. intercity INTER CITY STC . Even though I have used it, I decided to use it again because of the recent buzz around their operations and off course I wanted to make it a memorable one because it was my first capital trip of the year.

In this article, I will share my experience before and during the journey to my readers. My aim is to

·         Promote the good work of the service provider

·         Identify elements of their work which can be improved as they expand to the neighbouring West African countries

On Monday, the 4^th of I decided to visit the website of the transport provider and check their current schedules and prices but I could not get access to it. 

On the following that’s the 5^th of January, I went to their bus terminal to enquire on the above. I got a good reception from a worker who gave me all the information I needed. 

On the 8^th, I went to buy my ticket. I must confess, reception from the ticketing woman was more than expected. Apart from her being beautiful, she talked to me nicely and I was even willing to give out more than required. Yeah, that’s the feminine power.

Information taken included name, age, contact number and that of a close relative in case of an emergency which is a very good move. Also, I saw their partnership with Quality Insurance Company which is also great.

My ticket for the journey

As I said earlier on, I could not access their website for information but on the ticket, it was written on it. So, I tried it later and it was working correctly with every information needed there. One thing which was absent was the online booking but it is being worked on according to website “https://stc.gov.gh “

I was scheduled to travel on the 9^th of March. My reporting time was 5: 30 am and departure an hour later. On the day of booking, I was told the bus will take a maximum of plus 15 minutes from the departure time. 

I got to the terminal at 5:50 am and other travelers were already present. Other also came to book their tickets on the day of travel. The workers on duty were all present, very friendly and assisted their luggage and other needs.

 At 6:15 am, we were asked to board the bus but tickets were checked at the entrance. Seat numbers were clearly visible, tallied with the ones on and tickets to avoid any controversies. A worker was on board to assist.

·         Air condition – checked

·         Seat belts – checked

·         Comfort – checked

·         USB charging port – checked

·         Neatness – checked

·         Wi-Fi – double checked (as fast as connected) and it connects automatically as soon as you switch your's on.

Soon, the Scania Marco polo bus was ready to take off. At exactly 6: 44 am, the bus left the terminal. I noticed a few things that need to be addressed.

1.       The Takoradi terminal serves as a hub for Takoradi, Tarkwa and Cote D'Ivoire hence it needs some refurbishment.

2.       There was no safety induction when we got unto the bus. As a safety ambassador, I expected the driver and his assistant to educate the passengers on what to do for when of emergency which includes where the emergency exit is, seat belts etc.

3.       It is common that people do eat and drink on buses when they embark on a long trip. And it is ideal that, a bin or two should be on the bus so that passengers can make use of this.

STC Takoradi Terminal

Now back to my journey. About 20 minutes into the journey, my Wi-Fi connection got disrupted. I did not know the reason why and no one else complained on the bus so I guess it was from my end. On our way, a passenger made a request for the driver to stop at the nearest fuel station to ease himself and his requested was granted. Good customer service.

At 8:33 am, we made a stop at the STC rest stop at Cape Coast Tel Aviv. At the rest stop, passengers used the washrooms, bought food, water and others. Passengers were also waiting at cape coast to join the bus s to Accra.

At 8:43 am the driver alerted us all to get on board the bus. Our journey continued at 8:51 am. The driver made another stop on the way upon a passenger's request.

By 11: 20 am, we were at Kasoa. We made stops along the way till we got to the main bus terminal in Accra.

It was a good trip. No over speeding by the driver, comfort drive and customer centric services. It’s so refreshing that a state-owned transport provider offers such an amazing service even though a few hitches. They deserve a thumbs up and the recent buzz around them is worth it.

They should sort out the online booking. And if they can get a mobile app, it will enhance their services and attract new set of potential customers.

I hope this continues irrespective of the party in Ghana (we know what happens when there is a change of government).

God bless our homeland Ghana.

About the Author

Edmond Nana Cabir Flynt is a vehicle sales advisor and consultant based in Takoradi - Ghana. He is also a volunteer, an entrepreneur, and an auto show radio presenter.

For further enquiry, consultation, advertisement, product promotion (vehicle related), vehicle and accessory sale, contact him on the following numbers +233(0)209461930 /+233(0)548383591 and email nanaflynt@gmail.com