We have components to determine reduction of fares — Transport Operators react to 10% fare reduction

There was confusion galore at several bus terminals as transportation providers are adamant about the directive to reduce transport fares by 10%.

In a press release on Monday, May 15 jointly signed by Emmanuel Ohene Yeboah, General Secretary of the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council and Godfred Adulbire, General Secretary of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) ordered transport operators to adjust their fares in accordance with the "Administrative Arrangement on Public Transport Fares," taking into account the observed decreases in petroleum prices.

The statement noted that shared taxis, intra-city (trotro), inter-city (long-distance buses), and haulage vehicles are all subjected to the new rates.

It directed commercial transportation companies to abide by the new rates and publicly paste them at their loading stations for the public to see.

In an interview with Starr News, David Agboado, the Public Relations Officer of the Concerned Drivers Association, stated that Transport Operators would oppose any fare reductions unless the cost of spare parts and lubricants was brought down.

“The reason why we haven’t complied with the directive is that it is not right to be complied with. We have components to determine the increment or decrement of fares. But as I speak, none of the components has been reduced including fuel that they assumed will be reduced yesterday. Reduction in fuel prices has not taken effect. As I speak to you, if you go to Abossey Okae or Kokompe or Magazine to buy spare parts, the prices have jumped more than 100% and we are being forced to reduce our transport fares,” he stated.