Confusion and frustration have spread among passengers in Accra since the government approved an 8% increase in public transport fares last Saturday. At several terminals, commuters say drivers are charging fares beyond the official hike, causing disputes and uncertainty over the actual rates.
The Ministry of Transport announced the fare adjustment after weeks of talks with transport unions and operators. Drivers argued the increase was necessary because of rising fuel prices, spare parts, and other operational costs weighing heavily on their businesses.
Despite the official 8% rise, passengers report paying inconsistent amounts depending on the driver or route. A commuter who spoke to JoyNews said, “Yesterday I was charged GH¢10 while going to Dome, but returning another driver charged me GH¢8. So the fares are not fixed.”
The situation is similar on longer routes. A passenger travelling from Accra to Nkawkaw reported the fare had risen from GH¢50 to GH¢55. “This is high and it’s causing confusion between us and the drivers. So government should intervene,” the passenger said. Another traveller questioned the hike, explaining, “I think the fare is a bit high because the distance is not too far from Accra to Nkawkaw.”
Transport operators acknowledge that some drivers have increased fares beyond the 8% limit. They say the problem partly arises because some drivers raised their fares before the official announcement. Efforts are underway to bring all charges back in line with the approved rates.
The fare hike comes amid sustained fuel price increases in Ghana, which operators say have sharply raised the cost of running their vehicles. Drivers and unions say they have had to absorb these costs for too long without adjustments, hurting their incomes.
The Ministry of Transport has yet to issue a formal statement responding to the passenger complaints or detailing how it plans to enforce the new fare structure. Commuters continue to face uncertainty as they try to budget for daily travel.
For many in Accra, public transport remains the main option for getting to work, school, and markets. The inconsistent fares threaten to add strain on already tight household budgets, especially with food and other living costs also rising.
The situation highlights the challenge of balancing the needs of transport operators with the realities facing passengers. As the government and unions work to stabilise fares, many commuters are left to navigate the day-to-day confusion on the roads.
According to Joy Online.
