Commuters are likely to face public transportation fare hikes as the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) engages other stakeholders following the increment in fuel prices.
The Union’s Deputy Public Relations Officer, Samuel Amoah, indicated that consultations are in progress, with a determination regarding revised fares expected by week’s end.
Fuel prices are projected to increase beginning tomorrow, with petrol expected to reach GH¢16 per litre and diesel potentially surpassing GH¢19 per litre.
Speaking in an interview monitored by The Ghana Report on Citi News, Mr Amoah stated that the forthcoming fuel price elevation would likely necessitate a reassessment of transport fares.
“We had that information that the fuel price is likely to go up, hopefully by tomorrow. We also did one or two searches, and we got information that it is true. It’s not just hearsay,” he said.
He noted that deliberations are currently underway, encompassing negotiations regarding a proposed 30% modification presently under consideration by the Transport Ministry.
“So if this increment is also coming, then it means that the possibility of increasing transport fare is going to be very high,” he said.
Mr Amoah indicated that whilst the precise percentage remains undetermined, the adjustment could range between 25% and 30%.
“Let’s see, if even it will come down, it won’t come down below maybe 25%,” he said.
He assured commuters, however, that any revised fares would not be implemented immediately following an agreement.
“We will not come out like maybe today and say we have agreed and say tomorrow is taking effect. No, we will not do that,” he said.
He elaborated that transport operators customarily permit passengers a reasonable timeframe to prepare prior to implementing revised fares.
“Most of the time we do give some grace period for them to get prepared before it will take effect,” Mr Amoah said.
Mr Amoah encouraged passengers to ready themselves for a prospective increase as consultations proceed.
“So passengers should actually prepare themselves for an increment,” he said.
