The Ghana Road Transport Coordinated Council (GRTCC) has attributed the rounding up of transport fares to a shortage of coins in circulation. Following an approved 8% fare increase, some transport operators have been charging more than the approved amount, with passengers reporting fares being rounded up at various terminals.
According to GRTCC General Secretary, Emmanuel Ohene Yeboah, the shortage of coins makes it difficult for drivers to provide exact change. In an interview on Joy FM's Midday News, Yeboah explained that the council has to round fares to the average when coins are required. He emphasized that the council is not encouraging operators to charge more than the approved fare.
The 8% fare adjustment took effect last Saturday, following discussions between transport operators and the Ministry of Transport. Transport operators have cited rising fuel prices, spare parts, and other operational costs as reasons for the increase. The GRTCC has provided operators with a fare template showing old and new fares to guide implementation.
Passengers have expressed concerns about the fare increase, with some reporting that they are being charged more than the approved amount. For example, passengers traveling on a route where the previous fare was GH¢50 have reported paying GH¢55 instead of the GH¢54 that would result from an exact 8% increase.
The GRTCC is aware of the concerns and has deployed officers to monitor fares at various terminals. According to Yeboah, the council has officers at almost all terminals and is able to track exactly where fare discrepancies occur. The council is using its monitoring system to identify and address instances where operators may depart from the approved fares.
The GRTCC has provided transport operators with a fare template to guide implementation of the adjustment. Yeboah emphasized that the council is committed to ensuring that operators adhere to the approved fares. He also noted that the council is not aware of any widespread attempts by operators to charge more than the approved fare.
The fare increase has not been universally accepted, with some transport operators expressing dissatisfaction. For instance, Mpraeso taxi drivers have rejected the 8% fare hike as inadequate amid rising operating costs. The GRTCC's efforts to monitor and enforce the approved fares are ongoing.
Key points
- The Ghana Road Transport Coordinated Council blames a coin shortage for the rounding up of transport fares despite an approved 8% increase.
- The council has deployed officers to monitor fares at various terminals to address concerns about fare discrepancies.
- Transport operators have attributed the fare increase to rising fuel prices, spare parts, and other operational costs.
