Kumasi drivers, passengers react to 8% transport fare increase

Drivers and passengers at the Dr Mensah-Buokrom Station in Kumasi have expressed mixed reactions to the planned eight per cent increase in transport fares, scheduled to take effect from Saturday, September 26, 2026.

While some drivers believe the adjustment is inadequate to offset rising operational costs, passengers say the increase will add to their financial burden, particularly amid the rising cost of living.

Speaking to OTEC News on Wednesday, September 23, some drivers called for a further review of the proposed increase, citing the rising cost of diesel, spare parts and vehicle maintenance.

A driver at the station, Matthew, said the eight per cent adjustment would not sufficiently address the challenges confronting commercial drivers.

“The eight per cent increase is not enough considering the current cost of diesel, spare parts and vehicle maintenance. Sometimes, after working throughout the day, you realise that you have made little or no profit,” he said.

He called for the fare adjustment to be increased to between 10 and 15 per cent to reflect the actual cost of operating commercial vehicles.

Matthew, however, said drivers would be prepared to reduce fares if the price of diesel and other major operational inputs declined.

Station head’s call
The Head of the Dr Mensah-Buokrom Station, Mahmoud Abubakar, welcomed the planned increase, saying it would provide some relief to transport operators.

He, however, expressed concern about complaints from passengers that some drivers increase fares, particularly during the evening.

According to him, vehicles operating from the station do not charge the higher fares being reported by some passengers.

“The vehicles operating from this station do not charge the fares some passengers are complaining about. There are some drivers operating outside the station who allegedly increase their fares to GH¢15 and above, especially in the evening,” he said.

Mr Abubakar called on the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) to take action against drivers who allegedly engage in such practices.

“These drivers are creating difficulties for passengers, and the GPRTU must take steps to address the situation and ensure that fares are properly regulated,” he added.

Operating Costs
A passenger, Eric Appiah, said passengers would naturally be concerned about any increase in transport fares, but acknowledged the challenges faced by transport operators.

“As passengers, we will naturally not be happy about an increase in fares, but we also understand that the cost of fuel, spare parts and vehicle maintenance has gone up,” he said.

Mr Appiah, however, stressed that any adjustment should be proportionate to the actual increase in the cost of running commercial vehicles.

He also questioned the difference between fares charged during the day and those demanded by some drivers in the evening.

“There should be consistency in the fares. If the approved fare is the same, passengers should not be made to pay significantly different amounts depending on the time of day,” he said.

The eight per cent increase in transport fares is expected to take effect nationwide on September 26, 2026.

The reactions from Kumasi highlight the challenge of balancing the rising operational costs faced by transport operators with the need to keep public transport affordable for passengers.