This morning Ghanaians woke up to a shock, many were “ beaming” with disbelief to hear that there has been an increment in transport fares.
Early this year the Ghana Private Roads and Transport Union [GPRTU], has asked commuters to brace themselves for a possible increase in transport fares soon.
According to the GPRTU, the increment has become necessary following constant increases in the prices of vehicle spare parts.
The Vice Chairman of GPRTU, Robert Saba, explained to Citi Business News that members of the union have had to bear the extra cost for some time now, but can no longer absorb it.
“The spare parts have gone up and it is not the fuel alone that we use in calculating our fares. Looking at the current situation, the spare parts have gone up and it demands for an increase in lorry fares. Almost every part that we use [The price] has gone up,” he lamented.
Mr. Saba stated that, the current situation requires an upward adjustment in transportation fares to cushion transport owners and drivers.
“We have fought hard not to increase the fares. The tyres that we use, the rings that we buy in overhauling our vehicles, the bearings,— almost everything has gone up. With this, we have no choice but to increase fares to mitigate the impact” he explained. This very story was published by Citi FM.
The increment has come as a surprise to many. Because nothing of this sought has been made public.
People from Newtown to Accra central used to pay GHS 1.80 but this morning passengers were asked to pay GHS 2.40 which meant that there has been a pushed up by 60 pesewas representing 33% adjustment. In Other areas the situation is not different.
If the increment is peculiar to some loading terminals it a sign to show that fares would go up very sooner than imagined.
The last increment was barely a year ago which was around 15 percent. Ghanaians should brace themselves for a possible increment because this time the fares are going up by a whopping 30 percent plus.