Citi News’ checks have revealed that the 15% increment in transport fares has not been effected across board. Only few drivers are charging the new fares with the majority saying they are yet to be notified.
This is due to the seeming confusion between government and the transport unions over the increment which was announced on Sunday by the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC).
[contextly_sidebar id=”xtWoeeWmdSJ975of73VcaUOlu5dg6Udp”]Citi News’ Farida Shaibu who visited some transport terminals reported that “at one taxi rank at Circle, some taxi drivers were not aware of the increases but their station heads were on hand to direct them to charge the new fares.”
“Just like these taxi drivers many of the other commercial drivers, unsure of how much to charge for an increase, stuck with the original fares early this morning,” she added.
She stated that most commuters who left their homes early clearly escaped the new fares perhaps just for today [Monday].
Citi News’ Latif Mahama also reported that drivers in the Upper West Region are still charging the old fares.
According to him, “checks at the Wa Kejetia lorry park where most of the various terminals are located, indicate that the 15% fare increment is yet to take effect.”
Majority of the drivers said they were awaiting for an official communication from the GPRTU to effect the increment.
Senior Industrial Officer of the Upper West branch of GPRTU, Alhaji Mahama, said with the 15%, the branch will release the new fares this evening.
“The 15 percent increment has come to our notice. Currently, my secretaries are working busily on the new fares and we are going to release them.”
The Senior Industrial Relations Officer said the 15 percent will have an effect on the already poverty plagued Upper West Region.
“The economy is not good, people are suffering and for them to afford this 15% increment will be a problem. People are actually facing challenges because of the recent increments” he lamented.
Gov’t to ensure downward review
Meanwhile government has given the assurance that it will review transport fares at a meeting with transport unions scheduled for today.
The Deputy Minister of Transport Joyce Bawa Mogtari, said despite the hasty decision of the unions, her outfit will still push for a downward review.
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By: Marian Ansah/citifmonline.com/Ghana
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