Disregard purported increase in public transport fares – Ministry of Transport tells Ghanaians

The Ministry of Transport has asked Ghanaian commuters to disregard news about the purported increase in public transport fares which will begin Monday, Jan 22.

This comes after the Commercial Transport Operators of Ghana, in a press release, disclosed that there will be a surge in commercial transport fares by a staggering 30% beginning Monday, January 22, 2024.

According to the transport operators, the increase is a result of a “substantial rise in the costs of lubricants and spare parts, coupled with increment on DVLA service charges” which it indicated is having a significant impact on the livelihoods of its members.

The operators also lamented the high cost of maintenance and repairs.
“The proposal for a fare increase aims to address the drivers’ financial challenges and ensure the sustainability of the public transportation industry in Ghana,” the operators noted.

However, in a press statement dated January 17, 2024, the MOT urged commuters to disregard the information. According to the ministry, ”there has not been any negotiation with the transport operators for a review of the transport fares.

”When it becomes necessary for such negotiations and the decisions are taken, the general public will be appropriately informed, as has been done in the past,” part of the statement read.

The Ministry further averred that it will continue to ensure fair and reasonable public transport fares, keeping in mind the needs of transport operators and general public.