The Obuasi branch of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), has lauded the 10% increase in Transport fares as announced by Road Transport Operators in Ghana
The increase in prices which was to cover intra-city transportation and inter-city or long-distance travels took effect on Monday, 16th September, 2019.
The Welfare Chairman of GPRTU of the Obuasi Municipal branch, Nana Asante said, the increment in transport fares was very crucial, saying that they had negotiated with the government for twenty percent (20%) but after several meetings, 10% was agreed on.
He attributed the reason for calling for the increment in transport fares to increase in prices of spare parts on a daily basis.
“Fuel, which has been our major challenge in our line of business has also witnessed a surge in price, he added.
A Station Master known as Mr. Ghana who spoke with the Obuasi Office of the Information Services Department added that that the increment is going to help them to raise enough revenue and for the drivers to be able to buy spare parts and also service their vehicles.
Some residents of the area have bemoaned the increase in prices and blamed it on the preference of tri-cycle (Pragya) over taxis.
Maame Abena Kesewaa a trader said the 10% increment in transportation fares was duly communicated to them and so they are aware of it and are waiting for the new prices.
Mr. Acquah dealer in electrical appliances in the Central market bemoaned the rate of increase in prices of transport fares in recent times. “it is because of this everyday increment of transportation fares that made them prefer tri-cycle (Okada) than taxis, because it is cheaper than the taxi”, he added.
One Mr. Akwasi Appiah a taxi driver said, the increment is a very good thing and applauded their leaders for taking their plights into consideration.
He added that the introduction of tri-cycle popularly known as ‘Pragya’ or ‘Keke’ has really affected their business. As a result of that, the increment in transport fares is not going to be effective as they wish since the ‘Pragya’ operators still charge far lower than them.
