15% planned transport fare hike suspended by Concerned Drivers Association of Ghana
The Concerned Drivers Association of Ghana has suspended its planned 15% increase in transport fares, which was originally set to take effect on Monday, July 22, 2024.
The association had attributed the proposed fare hike to rising fuel costs and the increasing prices of essential items such as spare parts.
Despite this, the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) advised commuters to disregard the fare increase announcement.
David Agboado, the Public Relations Officer of the Concerned Drivers Association, explained in an interview with Citi Business News that the timing for the fare increase would further burden the public, leading to the decision to suspend it.
“We, the transport operators, have discussed and acknowledged the increase in costs—fuel, spare parts, and everything else. However, we have decided that now is not the appropriate time to raise transport fares,” Mr. Agboado stated. He emphasized that transport fares will remain unchanged as the operators have reached a mutual understanding.
David Agboado also urged commercial drivers to maintain the current fares until a more suitable time for an increment arises.
“I ask my fellow drivers to be patient. We, the appointed representatives, are acting in their best interest. This decision is also made with their benefit in mind, so they should remain calm. The right time for an increase will come,” he assured.
The decision to suspend the fare hike reflects the association’s responsiveness to the public’s economic challenges and the need for a balanced approach to managing operational costs and passenger affordability.
