Commercial Drivers Refuse to Reduce Fares in spite of the 10% Reduction in Fuel Prices

Commercial drivers in Accra continue to charge old fares in spite of a directive by two transport entities to drivers to reduce fares.
According to some drivers, the 10 per cent fuel reduction is negligible hence their decision to maintain the old fares.
Other drivers also claim that they are yet to receive official communication on the new fares.
The decision of the drivers has incurred the displeasure of passengers, some of whom have accused the conduct of the drivers as an act of selfishness.
Following the recent 10 per cent reduction of fuel prices, road transport operators announced new transport fares which took effect from January 9, 2015.
The downward reviews range from five pesewas to 20 pesewas in the case of trotro and taxi while those of the inter-city are between five and 50 pesewas.
A statement issued in Accra and jointly signed by the General Secretaries of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and the Ghana Road Transport Co-ordinating Council (GRTCC), Mr Stephen K. Okudzeto and Alhaji Aliyu Baba, respectively, requested members to comply with the directive. But the directive by the GPRTU and GRTCC has fallen on deaf ears.
From Kasoa to Accra, the fare remains the same. Before the directive, the drivers charged GH¢2 and after the announcement they have maintained the same instead of a new fare of GH¢1.80.
The fare from Kokomlemle to Accra was 80p before the directive, but the drivers have refused to adhere to the new fare of 60 pesewas. From Dansoman to Kaneshie is still GH¢1.40 instead of GH¢1.20.
Officials of the State Transport Company (STC) told the Daily Graphic that they were charging their old fares, since they had not received directives from the management of the company.
They said even though passengers complained about the company’s failure to reduce the fares, they still patronised their services.
A driver who wants to remain anonymous said the level of fuel price reduction was insignificant.
He said reduction in fuel prices should not be the only criterion for fixing transport fares because prices of engine oil, brake fluid and other petroleum products remained the same.
At STC near the Kwame Nkrumah Circle, a traveller who gave her name only as Francisca said she had no problem with the fares.
“We can’t complain much because we can’t do without transportation,” she added. The STC charges GH¢35 from Accra to Sefwi and Kumasi.