The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and the Ghana Road Transport Coordination Council (GRTCC) have jointly advised commuters not to pay new unapproved transport fares until they are formally approved.
This recommendation follows the announcement by the Transport Operators Association and the Ghana Concerned Drivers Association of a 30% increase in transport fares from Saturday, April 13th.
In a joint press release, the GPRTU and GRTCC said the decision by the Ghana Transport Operators Union and the Ghana Concerned Motorists Association to increase fares was due to the government’s failure to adequately address pending complaints. did.
However, the GPRTU and GRTCC reiterated that fare increases beyond the standards set by the administrative body that controls the review of public transport fares in the country are considered illegal and should be ignored by commuters.
Additionally, both organizations emphasized their continued efforts to work with stakeholders and the Department of Transportation to thoroughly evaluate the various cost factors involved and reach mutually agreeable solutions.
They aim to ensure that transport fare adjustments are made in line with the established regulatory framework and in the best interests of both transport operators and commuters.
“With this statement, we urge local governments, metropolitan, city and ward councils, and station welfare committees to ensure compliance with existing fares, as no such decision has been taken regarding fare increases. I request you to do so.
“We also want to urge all drivers to comply with this directive and have confidence in our leadership. We will continue to promote the welfare of transport operators.”
Additionally, the GPRTU and GRTCC have committed to ongoing discussions with the Ministry of Transport to facilitate approval of necessary fare adjustments.
Below is the full statement
Rumors of public transportation fare increases
It has been found that some sectors of drivers are arbitrarily increasing transport fares in violation of the administrative document on the review of public transport fares in the country.
This practice is illegal and, if true, must stop immediately.
As leaders, we have been following the recent adjustments in fuel prices and other related operating costs with keen interest. We are currently in discussions with stakeholders to agree a way forward, taking into account various cost factors.
As has been our practice, the leadership met with the Department of Transport on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, to present our demands.
Once an agreement is reached, the public will be formally notified. Therefore, increases outside the scope of administrative measures should be ignored and treated with contempt. Commuters are therefore urged not to pay any fare other than the existing fare.
With this statement, we urge local governments, metropolitan, city and ward councils, and station welfare committees to ensure compliance with existing fares, as no such decision has been taken regarding fare increases. I urge you to do so.
We also want to encourage all motorists to abide by this directive and have confidence in our leadership. We will continue to strive to improve the welfare of transportation companies.
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