GPRTU proposes 30% increase in transport fares

The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has proposed a 30 percent rise in public transport fares, attributing the request to escalating fuel costs and other operational expenses. This proposal has been forwarded to the Ministry of Transport for review and is currently under negotiation between the union and the government.

According to Samuel Amoah, the Deputy Industrial and Public Relations Officer of the GPRTU, the current fare rates are no longer adequate to cover the expenses of operating commercial vehicles. Speaking on Channel One TV on September 3, Mr. Amoah highlighted that the pressures on operating costs extend beyond fuel, encompassing spare parts, lubricants, insurance, and taxes.

He emphasized that without a fare increase, the drivers would continue to operate at a loss. Prior to this proposal, the GPRTU had suggested a fare increase in August but halted the plan after the government sought additional time and introduced a measure to cover GH¢2 per litre of diesel. Although this intervention has provided some relief to transport operators, it has not sufficiently reduced fuel prices to make the existing fares sustainable, prompting the GPRTU to return to the negotiating table with a more ambitious 30 percent adjustment.

However, Mr. Amoah noted that the proposed increase could potentially be lowered or withdrawn altogether if the government manages to lower fuel prices and other significant cost components. He stated that the fare increase might not be implemented if the fuel price and other major cost factors are successfully reduced. The proposed increase remains a tentative adjustment until final decisions are made through negotiations between the GPRTU and the Ministry of Transport.