8% fare hike: Lack of coins forcing some fares to be rounded up – GRTCC

The Ghana Road Transport Coordinated Council (GRTCC) has revealed that the shortage of coins in circulation is leading to some transport fares being rounded up following an approved 8% increase. Speaking to Joy FM’s Midday News, the Council’s General Secretary, Emmanuel Ohene Yeboah, explained that the issue arises when the exact fare cannot be paid due to the limited availability of coins.

He stated that the Council is aware of passenger complaints about drivers charging more than the approved increase, with certain fares reportedly being rounded up at various terminals. For instance, passengers traveling on a route previously charged GH¢50 have reportedly been charged GH¢55 instead of the expected GH¢54 from an exact 8% increase.

The Council has deployed officers to monitor fares at different terminals and has provided transport operators with a fare template to guide the implementation of the adjustment. The 8% fare increase came into effect last Saturday, following discussions between transport operators and the Ministry of Transport, which cited rising fuel prices, spare parts, and other operational costs as the reasons for the adjustment.