Transport fares up by 15%
Commuters will be paying more for transportation fares as price hikes hit 15 per cent beginning Saturday, July 11.
The decision was taken after the government held discussions with transport unions and operators across the country.
Public transport operators have reduced the number of passengers to adhere to social distancing measures aimed at preventing the spread of COVID-19.
Commercial drivers have complained that their revenues have been hit badly due to lesser numbers coupled with rising fuel prices and other costs of operation.
“It is increased by 15% across board – taxis, trotro, long-distance vehicles, cargo trucks. All of them are 15% up,” Deputy Transport Minister, Titus Glover, revealed in an interview with Adom FM.
He explained that due to “the COVID-19 they (drivers) can’t take full capacity, so the increase in fare is also to make an allowance for that.”
The decision was the outcome of a petition by driver unions who sent an application to the ministry for consideration.
Driver unions had pushed for a 30% percent increment but the government and transport unions settled on half of the proposed increase.
The last time transport fares were increased was in September 2019 when the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) announced a 10 per cent hike.
Its about time we start to use the state reserves to cushion the population especially during times like this. This is the time to see the constitutional provision at work. Chapter six- Directive principles of state Policy(35-2). Some of us after years (38) of national service are not entitle to ESBs. We are watching with keen interest. The time is very close!!!!! The ordinary tax payer is certainly being over burdened . Where is the petroleum taxes we have been paying all this years? The solution is to use those monies to cater for the needs during such times. God save our motherland from vipers and vultures.
We can no longer afford the trend. Please work to strengthen the economy for real. We are tired of your plenty talk. Even a robot can do what you are doing better. We all went to same schools and graduated with degrees. We understand and can recognize a good effort.