Commercial transport operators at the Accra-Ho GPRTU Station are hesitant to implement the 10% reduction in transport fares that was announced.
Road transport operators on Monday announced a 10 percent reduction in fares to compensate for the decline in prices of petroleum products over the period.
The new fares for shared taxis, intra-city (trotro), inter-city (long-distance), and freight vehicles were scheduled to go into effect on May 17, 2023.
Meanwhile, data gathered shows that Accra’s commercial transport providers are still charging the previous rates, and the citizens say the GPRTU should look into the matter.
Commuters who had anticipated a reduction on Wednesday morning were disappointed to learn that, contrary to what was announced, the new fares had not officially taken effect.
Although some commercial drivers said they had heard about the reduction in the media, their leadership had not officially communicated it to them in writing, according to separate interactions.
Some drivers also disagreed with the reduction, arguing that the price of other variables, such as lubricant, repairs, and spare parts, had increased during the time period.
Other drivers bemoaned the high cost of living, particularly the prices of food items, and stated that they would not lower their fares until the market traders did the same.
Mr. Samuel Tetteh, a commercial driver at Accra’s Tema Station, was dissatisfied with the reduction in fares and deemed it unfair to drivers.
“Upon hearing the news, I became sad because it is not always about fuel, we buy spare parts, we do other things to the cars, and we have a family that we take care of. Reduction won’t help, they should do something about it,” he said.
Another driver, Agbesi Mawutor, at the Accra-Ho GPRTU Station, stated that drivers did not earn enough money in the transportation industry, and that the reduction could therefore worsen their situation.
“There is no work nowadays, and getting passengers after early morning rush hour is difficult. This reduction is a big problem for us, and I think something should be done about it,” he said.
Some commuters told the GNA that this morning they unsuccessfully attempted to negotiate with conductors regarding the implementation of the new fares.
They characterised the reluctance of the road transport operators as intentional and urged the leadership of the various transport unions to crack the whip.
“I heard the news yesterday, but this morning I was charged the same fare, which I don’t understand. I tried to find out from the driver, but I was told the template for the new fares is not in,” Evelyn Asare, a resident of Nungua, said.
Mr Kelvin Agyetey, a resident of Madina said: “The fare is the same even though I have no idea about the reduction. There was a misunderstanding between some of the passengers and the driver this morning,” he said.
Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) officials have refused to speak on the issue.