Threat by the Western Regional Secretariat of Ghana Private Road and Transport Union (GPRTU) to increase transport fares by 30 percent in the region has been averted, following a quick intervention by the National Secretariat.
Though, the Regional Secretariat had served notice through a press statement that it was going to increase fares by 30% on Monday, checks by The Chronicle revealed transport fares remain same.
The Regional Chairman, Joseph Simons Cudjoe, told this reporter in a telephone interview that, but for the intervention of their National Secretariat, the 30% increment would have been implemented.
“For now, National has asked us to hold on pending emergency meeting ongoing this morning. The outcome of the emergency meeting would determine our next line of action”, Regional Chairman Cudjoe told this reporter.
To him, it would not be fair to go ahead and increase the fare whilst National Secretariat had intervened. The Regional GPRTU last week served notice of its intention to increase transportation fares by 30 percent effective Monday, April 8th, 2024.
According to the Regional Union, the decision follows a comprehensive survey conducted by the GPRTU, revealing significant increases in the prices of spare parts and fuel, affecting the operational costs of transport operators across the nation.
Despite these pressing concerns however, the Ministry of Transportation according to the statement, 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 statement noted.
The Regional GPRTU also indicated that 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.
Though the GPRTU acknowledged the importance of maintaining stable fares to ensure accessibility for all commuters it, however, stated that without the appreciable support and collaboration from government, such efforts will become a challenge.
“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 maintained it was open to constructive dialogue with the Ministry of Transportation and other relevant stakeholders to find long-term solutions that will benefit both transport operators and passengers alike.
