Mpraeso taxi drivers reject 8% fare hike as inadequate amid rising operating costs

Taxi drivers in Mpraeso, located in the Kwahu South Municipality of the Eastern Region, have voiced their discontent with the recently announced eight percent rise in transport fares. They find the increase insufficient to address their escalating operational costs. The taxi operators are urging the government to rethink the adjustment and explore ways to alleviate the financial strain on commercial transport providers.

The Ministry of Transport, working closely with transport operators, has announced the eight percent hike, set to take effect on Saturday. However, a visit to Mpraeso by Adom News suggests that many taxi drivers disagree with the proposed hike. They believe the increment fails to reflect the prevailing economic conditions. The drivers cited a sharp increase in the prices of vehicle spare parts, engine oil, tires, and other essential maintenance materials over the past few months.

This has made it challenging for them to run their businesses effectively. The drivers contend that the eight percent adjustment is far too modest to counterbalance their mounting expenses, and some operators have already raised their fares prior to the official implementation date. Consequently, they are urging the government to engage with transport operators and contemplate additional measures to support commercial drivers.

According to the drivers, an eight percent increase is not sufficient. The ever-rising cost of spare parts and vehicle maintenance is making it difficult for them to make ends meet, and they appeal to the government to do more to support drivers. If left unaddressed, the drivers warn, many transport operators will continue to struggle financially, potentially impacting transport services and passengers.