Commercial carriers charge old fares despite the 10% discount guideline.
A few days after the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) announced a 10% reduction in transport fares, some commercial bus drivers in the Circle in Accra are refusing to implement the directive.
According to these drivers, the recent drop in fuel prices may not be enough for a 10%reduction in vehicle costs. Theyargue that there are many other factors when it comes to organizing the transport business, and until the costs of raw materials and fuel are reduced, they will not be able to reduce tariffs.
Speaking to JoyNews, the drivers asked their leaders to reconsider the new law. "It is true that they have reduced the fares, but the problem we are facing is that our company leaders are struggling to give us prices so we are waiting for them," said a bus driver.
Another added: “We werenever told when the cuts would take. I heard about the 10% discount on the radio.
“We do not accept this reduction. Our leaders have not yet met with the government to discuss the new cuts. We didn'tsee that happen this time,” saidanother driver.
Meanwhile, some commuterssay they are being cheated by drivers because the rise in fuel prices often leads to higher prices, so a reduction should lead to a reduction. “As the price of fuel goes down, drivers are expected to reduce fares so that passengers can benefit. "The drivers don't look at the passengers," said a woman. Another male passenger added, “I think drivers are onlyinterested in profiting, because if the price of fuel is reduced,they should also try their bestto reduce the cost of the car,but that is not what we see here.
Background
The transfer rate has beenreduced by 10% effective Wednesday, May 17, 2023, following the recent downward trend in oil prices.
The Road Transport Authorityannounced the reduction in a statement signed by Emmanuel Ohene Yeboah, SecretaryGeneral of the Ghana Road Transport CoordinatingCouncil, and Godfred Abulbir, Secretary General of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU). The new fare willapply to shared taxis, localbuses, commonly known as tro-tros, intercity (long-distance) buses and shuttle buses.
The statement said the reduction was in line with the planning process for public transport and was in response to the devaluation of petroleum products at the time. He told all the transporters to abide by the new tariff and show them where their cargo is loaded.
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