In Ghana and neighboring countries tro tros are privately owned minibus share taxis that travel fixed routes leaving when filled to capacity. While there are tro tro stations, these vehicles for hire can also be boarded anywhere along the route.
Tro-Tro is that Ga language word “tro,” which means three pence (pence being the penny coins used during Ghana’s colonial days). In the colonial days, the mass transit vehicle charged passengers three pence per trip, and thus were referred to as “tro-tros”.
Operated by a driver and a conductor (who collects money, shouts out the destination, and can also be called a “mate”), many are decorated with slogans and sayings, often religious.
Used by 70% of Ghanaian commuters, tro tro is the most popular form of transport for work and shopping in the country as of 2010. Large buses also provide public transport in Accra, Ghana, as of 2018 and are patronized by people of different social classes.
References:
- For private ownership and fixed routes, see Report from the Field: The Tro-Tro – An Essential Mode of Transport in Accra, Ghana by Susan Blaustein. blogs.ei.columbia.edu, 9.29.2010
- For leaving when full, see Ghana: The Bradt Travel Guide (page 69) Philip Briggs. Bradt Travel Guides, 2007. 4th ed. 416 pages. 1841622052, 9781841622057 (Google Books)