Transport operators in the W/R divided over reduction of fares

Some transport operators in the Sekondi-Takoradi have reduced their transport fares marginally but others are maintaining the old fares.

Ghana News Agency’s visit to some lorry terminals in the metropolis on Monday morning revealed that the Takoradi/Accra Transport terminal of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) had reduced transport fares by GH¢ 1 across board.

The VIP, Stanbic and Yutong buses that ply the Takoradi/ Accra route have reduced their fares by GH¢1 as directed by the leadership of the GPRTU and the Ghana Private Transport Coordinating Council in Accra.

However Ford buses operated by the City Express Company have not reduced their fares.

Some “troto” operators and taxis in the metropolis have refused to comply with the directives, sparking frequent outburst between passengers and drivers.

The Station Master at Takoradi/Accra Station of the GPRTU, Mr. Emmanuel Nana Baiden, said although they had complied with the directives issued by their superiors in Accra, they were not happy with the move since other items used in their operations had not been reduced.

He said lubricants, tyres, spare parts, income tax, among other items still remained high and appealed to the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) to reduce further fuel prices.

The NPA on January 1 reduced fuel prices by 10 percent following decrease in petroleum products on the world market hence transport operators were tasked to also reciprocate by reducing transport fares.