The Ghana Private Road Transport Union of the Trades Union Congress (GPRTU of TUC) has confirmed 20 percent increase in fares with effect from today, September 14.
The increase follows a directive issued by the union in consultation with other transport unions and the Ministry of Transport on a proposed fare hike.
Speaking to The Ghanaian Times in Accra on Thursday, the Greater Accra Regional Chairman of the GPRTU, Robert Sarbah, said the union had agreed to increase the fares on the basis of this year�s fuel increment and other related issues.
According to him, increases in cost of lubricants, vehicle spare-parts, maintenance of vehicles and charges by the Driver, Vehicle and Licensing Authority were among the reasons for the increase.
He explained that GPRTU was initially notified to hike the fares on Wednesday September 12, but that was later changed due to the misunderstanding that preceded it.
�I had received another directive on the same Wednesday during that heat in town instructing all drivers to suspend the increase until today,� he said.
On Wednesday, there was confusion between drivers and passengers over a sudden increase in fares.
Passengers were thrown in a state of confusion amidst serious confrontation over the hike which had taken them by surprise.
The Ghanaian Times during a visit to lorry station at Circle in Accra, witnessed confusion between drivers and passengers over the sudden increased.
At the Odawna trotro station, there was a confrontation between passengers and drivers which nearly resulted in a brawl. This was because drivers plying the circle-Awoshie route increased the fare from GH₵ 1.20 to GH₵1.50, which passengers did not agree with.
Adwoa Tiwaa, a passenger, said she expected an earlier notice before the increase which never came hence her refusal to pay the new fare.
At the Kaneshie Station, there were mixed reactions concerning the transport fares.
Samuel Boadu, Secretary of the Kaneshie Drivers� Association (Cape Coast, Takoradi, Afloa Station) said the fare hike was not as a result of increase in fuel price but rather the high cost of lubricants and oil filters.
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