Editor of the Ghanaian Publisher newspaper, Yaw Obeng Manu, has said that he is not surprised transport operators plan to increase transport fares considering the introduction of new levies and taxes by the government.
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He believes that with the introduction of these new taxes and levies, all workers in the country will hope to survive by taking certain necessary measures. In this respect, he is of the view that the decision of the transport operators is a step in the right direction.
The editor has, however, urged these transport operators to engage with government to reach a consensus on the percentage increment.
“The decision by the transport operators to increase fares is a step in the right direction but I will advise them to engage with the government so that the increment will not be too much which could bring more problems in the country. This is because if you increase the fares at an unusually high price and people no more patronize the transport system, all the steps you had taken will be futile. For the drivers, this will not be the first time they have consultations with the government. So, it is best if they engage with the government”, he told Samuel Eshun on the Happy Morning Show.
Private transport operators in the country have agreed to increase transport fares by 20%.
This increment, they say, takes effect today, Monday, May 17, 2021.
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The development comes after a series of engagements among members of the Ghana Committed Drivers Association, International Drivers Road Transport Union, Truth Drivers Union and the Concerned Drivers Association.
A joint statement issued by the operators said the increment has been necessitated by different factors including new taxes on fuel, the cost of vehicle spare parts and charges levied by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA).
Meanwhile, the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has appealed to its members not to charge unapproved lorry fares as it is working closely with authorities at the Transport Ministry to arrive at the right percentage increment for new fares.
By: Alberta Dorcas N D Armah