Commuters express frustration over increase in transport fares

Some commuters have expressed frustration over the new transport fares, which took effect today.

Some of them told Joy News that they cannot afford the new fares because they have not had any increment in salary.

Others pleaded with the government to ensure that drivers adhere to charging the right fares.

The National Petroleum Authority, two weeks ago, announced a 6 percent increase in petrol prices, while gas and diesel prices went up by 8 percent.

Following consultations with the Transport Ministry, the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council, and the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), the new fares were announced.

In a statement, the Road Transport Operators announced an increment in fares for taxis by between 10 pesewas and 1 cedis 40 pesewas.

Distances which used to cost 50 pesewas would go up to 60 pesewas, while distances that formally cost 7 cedis, goes up to GHc8.40. Intra city buses popularly called “trotro” would also go up by between 10 and 50 pesewas.

Distances which until recently cost 50 pesewas, now cost 60 pesewas; GHc2.40 fares would now cost GHc2.90.

Long distance intercity fares also went up by between 50 pesewas and GHc13.50. Fares which cost GHc2.50 would now cost GHc3, while charges which stood at GHc89 would now go for GHc102.50.

Fares for the transportation of dry cargo goods have also been increased by between 20 pesewas and GHc20,000. Charges of 1 cedis would now be 1 cedis 20 pesewas, while that of GHc100,000 would now be GHc120.  

Meanwhile, the Deputy Transport Minister Joyce Bawah Mogtari is assuring commuters that there will not be any hikes in fares till July.  

She told Joy News government has put structures in place including a consultation with the transport owners to ensure that the current adjustment in fares remains until the first half of the year.

Luv FM’s James Hermann reports from the Ashanti Region that the increment is just a formality since the drivers ignored earlier directive from their leadership and increased their fares two weeks ago.

Those who charged more than the approved fares are now in a dilemma.

Meanwhile, some drivers in Takoradi in the Western Region have not increased their fares, Francis Wadja of Radio Maxx reports.

The drivers told him they do not want to inconvenient their passengers.