GPRTU taskforce clamps down on unapproved fares at Kasoa

A Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) taskforce has ramped up its efforts to monitor commercial drivers at Kasoa, following reports that some drivers are charging passengers more than the approved eight percent increase in transport fares. The initiative, spearheaded by GPRTU Deputy National Public Relations Officer Samuel Amoah, focused on various loading points along the Kasoa-Accra route.

The union revealed that certain drivers have been charging fares up to 30 percent higher than the approved rates, despite the recent adjustment being capped at eight percent. The taskforce's monitoring is aimed at ensuring drivers adhere to the approved fares and safeguarding passengers from undue charges.

Samuel Amoah conveyed these details to Adom News, stating that the union has designated specific days to educate both drivers and passengers about the approved fares. He cautioned that drivers persisting with unapproved fares post-education will be handed over to the police for legal action. During the enforcement operation, the taskforce confronted some drivers and their cohorts, compelling them to refund the excess fares collected from passengers.

Passengers spoke positively about the intervention, while others voiced frustration over the fares allegedly charged by certain drivers.

Amoah appealed to drivers not to worry about a potential fuel price hike in the upcoming pricing window. He assured that the GPRTU would review transport fares in response to any further increases in fuel prices. Also noteworthy is the Ghana Revenue Authority Customs and Collection's (GRTCC) complaint about a coin shortage leading to rounding up of transport fares after the eight percent increase, and the Kumasi Municipal Authority (KMA) engaging 24 transport unions ahead of the Christmas period to curb unapproved fares.