The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC) have initiated moves to have transport fares reviewed, adding that it is necessary to initiate dialogue with authorities, following the procedure prescribed for reviewing passengers fare. Editorial Standards
The two transport groups are reported to have petitioned the Ministry of Transport to have their demands considered, which would eventually mean that transport charges in the commercial road transportation sector of the country will be revised.
Addressing all transport union organizations and their memberships, in their joint statement stated that they are petitioning through the procedural way expected of a transport union for a fare review.
Costs incurred for vehicle operation, affecting transport operators would be considered for which new fares would be determined.
However, their appeal to authorities do not mean that transport fares will immediately increase. Any revision to the fares will be after discussions are held between both transport organizations and the ministry of transport.
The transport organizations said their request would be discussed with authorities soon and would notify general public on their discussion with the ministry of transport. “We wish to assure the general public that engagement with will soon commence with the ministry of transport and would subsequently bring to you the results,” stated their joint statement.
The explanation is vital to all commuters and operators as many, drivers and transport owners can expect to hear many stories regarding transportation fares increase.
GPRTU and GRTCC are pleading to drivers, vehicle owners, station masters, commuters and other transport operators to stay cool since dialogues are holding. Menu Popup
They are requesting to wait for authorities’ position before a change of passenger fares would be implemented. Fuel prices increase affects not only consumers, commuters but it is also the principal cost incurred for transport operators, drivers etc.
As it influence spare parts, and insurance of the vehicle. Any increment can seriously influence the financial condition of vehicle owners while it will also affect consumers as prices of goods will definitely rise.
The GPRTU and GRTCC also admit and are fully aware that the commercial activities of transport operators involves financial cost to the them which is very often underestimated.
From, it is evident that this petition opens dialogues for both parties on how to find the balance for the profit and loss incurred during transport operation at each time however, the Ministry of Transport’s role is essential as all transport unions are awaiting its final decision after all consultations.
Drivers and transport operators are appealed to keep off changing passenger fares until a final decision is made, although they had petitioned to have a new fare range reviewed so that people do not engage in confrontation with station masters and commuters with relation to an increase, it is hoped that they will comply. Newscard
Drivers and transport owners are further pleaded to be patience as meetings will be arranged to negotiate with the authorities.
It means to commuters, fare requests to review may arise, however, none as at the moment and no matter how high the increase could be, it would certainly influence and affect commuters a lot.
The fare revision also influences the sales of all goods since transport has become an element that all consumers are utilizing on a regular bases as their source of commutation, and it also influence goods at home as transporters would have an increased cost on whatever thing they carry to our doorstep.
Therefore all transport operators, drivers and station masters and all commuters must not be so panicked since the fares have not increased.
They are entreated to wait for news on a proposed new fare regime, since this is expected to hold for some time.