W/R: GPRTU to increase transport fares by 30% from Monday

The Western Regional Office of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union says it will increase public transport fares by 30%, effective Monday, April 8, 2024.

In a statement on Friday, April 5, 2024, the Union argued that the increase is due to the “significant” increase in the prices of fuel and spare parts, increasing the operational costs of their members nationwide.

GPRTU expressed dissatisfaction with the Transport Ministry’s inability to address their concerns effectively and reduce operational costs, leaving them with no other option but to increase fares.

“Despite these pressing concerns, the Ministry of Transportation has shown little concern about engaging in a dialogue with the GPRTU to mitigate the impact on transport operators.”

“It is of much interest for the public to know that GPRTU has sought a meeting with the Ministry to discuss the challenges faced by transport operators and explore potential solutions to mitigate the impact on transport.”

“Regrettably, the Ministry’s lack of cooperation to convene discussions has left GPRTU with no other choice but to independently proceed with the fare adjustment, which will be a win-win for both commuters and transport operators.”

They, however, expressed their readiness to dialogue with the transport ministry and other stakeholders to find longer-term solutions to their predicaments.

“The union remains open to constructive dialogue with the Ministry of Transportation and other relevant stakeholders to find long-term solutions that benefit both transport operators and passengers alike.”

Below is the full statement from the GPRTU (Western Region)

TAKORADI, GHANA

5^TH APRIL,2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NOTICE ON AN IMPENDING  30 % INCREASE IN TRANSPORT FARE

Western Regional Secretariat of GPRTU has served notice of its intention to increase transportation fares by 30 percent effective Monday, April 8th, 2024.

This decision follows a comprehensive survey conducted by the GPRTU, revealing significant increases in the prices of spare parts and fuel, intensifying the operational costs of transport operators across the nation.

Despite these pressing concerns, the Ministry of Transportation has shown little concern engaging in a dialogue with the GPRTU to mitigate the impact on transport operators.

It is of much interest for the public to know that, GPRTU had sought a meeting with the Ministry to discuss the challenges faced by transport operators and explore potential solutions to mitigate the impact on the transport.

Regrettably, the Ministry’s lack of cooperation to convene discussions has left GPRTU with no other choice but to independently proceed with the fare adjustment which will be a win-win for both the commuters and transport operators.

The rising costs of spare parts and fuel pose a significant burden on transport operators, directly and adversely impacting their ability to provide affordable and sustainable transportation services to the public.

The GPRTU acknowledges the importance of maintaining stable fares to ensure accessibility for all commuters, but without the appreciable support and collaboration from government, such efforts become increasingly challenging.

The decision to increase transportation fares by 30 percent reflects the GPRTU’s commitment to maintaining the viability of its members’ operations while striving to balance the interests of commuters.

However, the union remains open to constructive dialogue with the Ministry of Transportation and other relevant stakeholders to find long-term solutions that benefit both transport operators and passengers alike.

In light of the impending fare adjustment, the GPRTU urges commuters to plan accordingly and anticipates their understanding during this period of increment.

The union reiterates its openness to further engage in meaningful discussions with the Ministry of Transportation to address the underlying issues affecting the transport sector and seek sustainable solutions for the benefit of all stakeholders.