The directive given by the regulatory bodies was to increase transport fares by 10%, effective Monday, September 16, 2019 but that seems not to be the case today.
With increase in fuel prices, most commercial drivers are taking advantage of the increment to bully and cheat passengers.
Information reaching Happy FM has it that, lorry fares have increased more than 10% with drivers charging 20% and some charging more than that.
At the VIP station in Accra, the initial price for a trip to Kumasi was GHc45.00 . An increase of 10% should make the new price GHc49.50 but they are charging GHc50.00 instead. The transport fare from Circle to Koforidua was GHc15.00. An increment of 10% should make the new price GHc16.50 but the fare from the station is now GHc18.00.
These reports were confirmed by Happy FM’s Sammy Addo today when he visited some lorry parks in Accra.
According to Happy FM’s reporter, most passengers have no choice but to pay the increment which is over 10% as they had no alternative means of transportation.
The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) had announced in a press release that there will be a 10 percent increase in transport fares effective today.
The press release further said the development is to accommodate an increase in fuel prices and is in line with the Administrative Instrument on public transport fares.
The fares which affect all commercial transport services cover road transport operations including Intra-city (Trotro), Intercity (Long distance) and shared taxis.
The release also advised members of the GPRTU and the general public to comply with the new fares to avoid confrontations.