The Road Transport Operators Union has in a statement urged the general public to disregard the recent arbitrary increase in road fares by some commercial vehicle drivers.

They have described this increase in fares as "unfounded" and in contravention of how transport fares are determined in the country.

According to the Operators, until the Appropriation Bill is passed by Parliament on the new rates, members of the general public are to discourage these actions.

"Whilst we await the passage of the Appropriation Bill by Parliament to give effect to the measures proposed in the 2021 Budget, we kindly request members and the general public to remain calm and disregard the threat of fare increase".

The statement comes at the back of news circulating in the media that some drivers arbitrarily increased their fares following the 5.7% increase in petroleum prices at the pump as announced by the Caretaker Finance Minister, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu while presenting the 'WƆN YA WƆ HIƐƐ' 2021 Budget.

Moreover, they stated that "One of the major items that is considered during a review of transport fares is the price of petroleum products. We have followed with keen interest the recent Budget Statement which hinted of an adjustment in fuel prices and other related operational costs..." the statement said.

Additionally, the Transport Operators assured Ghanaians that they would "sit down with Government to consider the various component that goes into the running of commercial road transport services to determine the appropriate fare adjustment".

The Union further urged all transport operators, commuters and the General Public to comply with "the Precautionary Directives on Covid-19 in all public transport vehicles and terminals."