RIA, Margibi County– The Liberia Airport Authority (LAA) employees have applauded management for easing long-standing hardships by launching a daily staff bus service in partnership with the National Transport Authority (NTA).
By Jaheim T. [email protected]
Over the years, getting to work at Roberts International Airport (RIA) was a daily struggle for many employees. The long distances, unreliable commercial transport, high fares, and safety concerns combined to make commuting to the country’s main international gateway both costly and stressful.
This week, that long-standing hardship began to ease as management launched a daily staff bus service.
The initiative, which costs the Authority US$3,500 monthly, was unveiled with senior management, Board members, and employees riding together from ELWA Junction in Paynesville, an experience the LAA Managing Director, Ernest G. Hughes, described as symbolic but deeply meaningful.
“This is my first time riding a bus in a parade. I actually enjoyed the experience,” Hughes said, noting that the decision was driven by necessity rather than publicity.
RIA’s location has long posed transportation challenges for employees, many of whom commute from central Monrovia and surrounding communities.
Hughes acknowledged that while management initially explored acquiring buses, financial constraints forced them to consider alternatives.
“When we came up with this idea, we were faced with constraints. We did not have the requisite financing available, and we know how important it is for employees to be able to get to and from work,” he explained.
Management then turned to the LAA Board of Directors with a proposal to partner with the NTA. “We approached the Board Chair and members of the Board and asked if we could at least work on a relationship with the National Transport Authority. They said it was a good move, and we proceeded,” Hughes said.
Hughes added that the staff bus is not a ceremonial gesture. “You could see from the experience that the employees are very happy. This is not for show. This is something we are going to do for the rest of the year,” he declared.
The bus will operate daily, picking up workers early in the morning and returning them to their various locations after work, covering routes as far as 72nd Boulevard.
“Early in the morning, the bus will pick up employees, just like it did today. When employees close work, they will also be picked up and taken back,” Hughes added.
Hughes linked employee welfare to international airport standards. “Airports all over the world operate on three pillars: safety, security, and customer service,” he said. “If people had alternatives and we failed to provide good customer service, they would not use this airport.”
The Chair of the LAA Board described the day as historic, especially given that the current leadership has been in place for only three months. “We have been here for just three months and have observed a strong need for reform and transformation,” the Chair said.
Adding “For this to happen, employee welfare must be taken seriously.”
He praised Hughes’ leadership and emphasized the Board’s role. “The Managing Director is the engine of this process. All we do as a Board is endorse good ideas,” he said, adding that the transport initiative is only one of many reforms to come.
Employee testimonials revealed the real impact of the new service. Prince Crawford, of the Human Resources Department, said the initiative has drastically reduced his daily expenses.
“Transportation from town to RIA was extremely difficult. I used to spend $1,000 daily. Now it has reduced to $200,” Crawford said. “This initiative is wonderful, and I’m very grateful.”
Crawford described how unreliable commercial taxis often delayed staff. “Transportation was a major challenge, especially with commercial taxis stopping to get passengers before reaching the airport,” he said. “Now we are picked up and dropped off from Monday to Friday.”
For women employees, the relief goes beyond cost. A female staff member, Patience Davis from the Cargo Section, said safety and punctuality have improved.
“Transportation has been a serious challenge at RIA because we paid for everything ourselves. Today, riding a new bus and coming to work on time has brought joy,” she said.
Communications Director Ernest Sharpe echoed that sentiment, stressing that the initiative is workforce-centered.
“This is not about management riding the bus; it’s about the workforce that provides services,” he said. “Staff happiness is critical. RIA is on a new trajectory moving forward, never backward.”
