The Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC) has urged the commuting public to report commercial drivers who fail to implement the newly announced 15% reduction in transport fares.
The fare reduction announced on the back of recent declines in fuel prices, is expected to be reflected across all commercial transport services. However, reports indicate that while some drivers have adjusted their prices accordingly, others continue to charge the old fares, citing persistent high operational costs.
Three days after the directive was issued and on the first working day since its implementation many commuters remain uncertain about the correct fares due to the inconsistent application by drivers.
In response, the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and other transport unions, have warned of sanctions for non-compliant drivers, particularly those who operate outside established terminals.
Speaking on GHOne TV, Samuel Amoah, Deputy Industrial Regulations Officer of the GPRTU, expressed concern over the conduct of so-called “floating” drivers—those unaffiliated with any transport terminals. According to Mr. Amoah, these drivers are often the ones who defy fare adjustments.
“We keep telling them that when costs go up, we engage the Ministry to negotiate fare increases—and they benefit. Why is it that now, when there’s a reduction, they refuse to comply?” he questioned.
General Secretary of the GRTCC, Emmanuel Ohene-Yeboah, consequently charged passengers to report drivers who continue to charge old fares. His comments followed a reported incident where passengers at the Kwame Nkrumah Circle terminal were returned to the station after refusing to pay the outdated fare.
Speaking on Starr FM’s Morning Starr with Naa Dedei Tettey, Mr. Yeboah advised.
“If that is the place, then the person can report to the station officers and welfare officers.” Adding “once the person can identify the vehicle that is involved in that action and report to the station officers, sanctions will be applied.”
He added that transport operators have been given a one-week grace period, after which the GRTCC will roll out a monitoring system to ensure compliance with the new fare structure.
