The Secetary of Takoradi to Accra branch of Ghana Private Road Transport Union has questioned why government has directed the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) to reduce the number of passengers in their buses to maintain social distancing amid COVID-19, but state owned transport unions like State Transport Corporation and Metro Mass Transport are rather going contrary to the directive.
According to Mr Adu- Buahene, “buses belonging to GPRTU in the Takoradi/ Accra station which used have been asked to reduce their passenger intake from 50 to 25 yet, transport fares still remain the same at 31gh”. This means that if initially they were making 1,550 it has currently reduced 775 per trip which is a big blow to the Union.
The GPRTU on Monday 20 April increased its fare from 31gh to 40gh but upon deliberations with the ministry of transport, they were made to maintain their old fair. This is what has raised eye brow as to why government can negotiate with a private transport union to maintain social distancing but not state transport unions.
He added GPRTU will do their best to deal with the shock as a result of the pandemic but when it gets to a point where they cannot take it again the company will make the appropriate decision
Story by kwame Offei
