The Deputy Industrial and Public Relations Officer of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), Samuel Amoah, says the union is putting measures in place to ensure that the proposed increase in public transport fares is implemented smoothly. According to him, the union has engaged the Ministry of Transport on challenges within the transport sector […]
The Deputy Industrial and Public Relations Officer of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), Samuel Amoah, says the union is putting measures in place to ensure that the proposed increase in public transport fares is implemented smoothly.
According to him, the union has engaged the Ministry of Transport on challenges within the transport sector and is working with relevant institutions to ensure that drivers comply with approved fares.
Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s morning show, Dwaso Nsem, Mr Amoah said the GPRTU met with the Ministry of Transport recently and also submitted a formal letter on the proposed fare adjustment.
“We met with the Ministry of Transport and spoke to them about our challenges, where they started, and the issues we have been facing. Yesterday, we also took a letter to them,” he said.
He said the union raised concerns about fare increases by some transport operators, including VIP, as well as drivers who allegedly charge fares outside the approved rates.
“We told them about how VIP increased its prices and the Ministry did not do anything about it. We also talked about floating drivers who charge without following the laws and those who flout our union’s rules,” he said.
Mr Amoah explained that the previous Legislative Instrument (LI 2180) did not contain a specific provision to deal with drivers who charged fares above the approved rates.
“The old LI 2180 did not have any provision that stated that anyone who charges higher fares should be arrested. But in the new LI, that has been added,” he said.
He stressed that any fare increase must receive approval from the relevant authorities before drivers can begin charging the new rates.
“Before anyone can increase fares, it must be approved by the Ministry of Transport, the GPRTU and the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC). Anything apart from that, the law must deal with the driver,” he stated.
Mr Amoah said the GPRTU would establish an internal task force to ensure that its members comply with the new fare structure once it is approved.
“We have put things together and we will get a task force to work internally to make sure all union members follow the new rules,” he said.
He added that the Ministry of Transport had also indicated that the police, assemblies, National Security, MMDCEs, and their respective task forces would collaborate to enforce the approved fares.
“The Ministry also said the police, assemblies, National Security, MMDCEs, and their task forces will come together to ensure that those drivers who always flout the laws do the right thing,” he added.
Mr Amoah expressed optimism that the measures being put in place would prevent confusion and overcharging if the proposed fare increase is approved.
“We have put things in place, so if we are able to finally confirm the price hike, we hope there won’t be any challenges,” he said.
His comments come after the transport unions proposed a 30% increase in public transport fares and submitted a request to the Ministry of Transport for an adjustment to the existing fares.
The proposed increase is subject to approval and has not yet taken effect.
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