Festive season fare hikes deepen commuter woes in Accra

The plight of passengers in Accra continues to worsen as some commercial transport operators allegedly impose unauthorised fare increases, especially during festive periods.

Commuters say drivers of commercial vehicles are increasingly disregarding approved fares and charging passengers arbitrary amounts, leaving many with little option but to comply.

The situation, passengers argue, has become a recurring problem whenever demand for transport rises.

On the Accra–Kasoa route, passengers report being charged as much as GHS 30.00, despite the approved fare standing at GH¢10.00.

Similar complaints have been raised on the Accra–Tema corridor.

Passengers travelling to Nungua, who are expected to pay GH¢5.00, say they are instead being charged higher Accra fares.

Many commuters have described the situation as exploitative and unfair, noting that efforts to challenge the drivers often result in heated arguments or refusal to transport them.

For low-income earners who rely on public transport daily, the arbitrary hikes are placing an additional financial burden on already stretched household budgets.

The development has triggered public outcry, with Ghanaians calling on transport regulators, law enforcement agencies, and relevant authorities to step in and enforce adherence to approved fares.

Commuters argue that failure to act decisively only emboldens drivers to continue flouting the law.

As the festive season approaches and passenger traffic increases, commuters are hopeful that authorities will intensify monitoring at transport terminals to curb the practice and protect the interests of the travelling public.