Users of ride-hailing services, including Uber, Bolt and Yango, are expressing dissatisfaction with recent fare increases as the Christmas season fuels heightened movement across major cities in Ghana.

The festive period, usually marked by increased travel for shopping, church activities, family visits and end-of-year celebrations, has led to a sharp rise in demand for ride-hailing services. Many consumers say the resulting fare hikes are stretching their budgets and forcing them to rethink travel plans.

Some passengers told Joy Business that rising costs have made app-based transport services less affordable, prompting them to cut down on non-essential trips or rely more on public transportation, despite the convenience that ride-hailing platforms typically offer.

“I honestly don’t understand the recent surge in ride-hailing fares. Fuel prices have been reduced, so I’m wondering why ride costs keep escalating. The prices are too high,” one passenger said.

Another commuter noted that the increases are taking a toll on household finances. “Our income is stable, so when they increase ride fares like this, it really disturbs us. It is affecting our income a lot,” the passenger said.

Responding to the concerns, the President of the Ride-Hailing Association, Francis Tenge, explained that the fare adjustments are largely seasonal and driven by demand.

According to him, ride-hailing platforms operate dynamic pricing systems that automatically raise fares during periods of high demand to balance the number of available drivers with the volume of ride requests.

“The system they’re using is based on demand and supply, and because of the Christmas season, demand is very high. We have more passengers than drivers, and that is what is causing the system to increase the prices automatically,” Mr Tenge said.

He assured consumers that the current fare surge is temporary and expected to ease once the Christmas festivities end and travel demand declines.

“The surge in the cost of ride-hailing is a seasonal thing that happens on every platform. When the season ends, the prices will come back to normal, and it will probably come up again during Easter,” he said.

The association has therefore encouraged passengers to plan their movements carefully during the festive rush, expressing optimism that ride-hailing fares will return to normal levels in the weeks following the holiday season.