GPRTU Slams Drivers Over Unauthorized Fare Hikes

GPRTU condemns unauthorized festive fare hikes, citing passenger hardship and economic ripple effects. The union vows post-season reforms for fair, transparent, and sustainable pricing

The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has expressed concern over reports of unauthorized fare hikes by some drivers during the festive season, condemning the practice as damaging to the union’s credibility and creating unnecessary hardship for passengers.

Speaking to The Ghana Times, Mr. Abbas Ibrahim Moro, Public Relation Officer for GPRTU, acknowledged the increased demand for transportation during the end-of-year period as many people travel to their hometowns or vacation destinations. While the union recognizes the challenges that come with peak travel seasons, he emphasized that fare adjustments must follow approved guidelines.

“It’s unacceptable for drivers to increase fares on their own without authorization. This practice not only affects passengers but also damages the reputation of the union,” Mr. Moro said.

The practice of drivers arbitrarily increasing fares during the festive season has significant implications, particularly on Christmas-related activities, which rely heavily on affordable transportation. Many Ghanaians travel during this period to reconnect with family and friends or to partake in church programs and community events, and sudden fare hikes disrupt these plans by making travel inaccessible to some.

For businesses, particularly those in retail and hospitality, the impact is even more pronounced. Higher transportation costs often translate to reduced foot traffic in markets, shopping malls, and restaurants, as people are forced to prioritize essential travel over leisure activities.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which depend on the Christmas season for a significant portion of their annual revenue, also face challenges. Vendors transporting goods to urban centers or local markets may have to contend with increased logistics costs, which can erode profit margins or lead to higher prices for consumers.

Additionally, the unpredictability of fares undermines confidence in the transportation system, which is critical for ensuring the smooth flow of goods and services during the festive season.

Unregulated fare increases also create a ripple effect on broader economic activities, as rising travel costs during this high-spending period contribute to inflationary pressures. This can reduce household spending power, forcing families to cut back on non-essential expenses, which affects businesses that rely on discretionary income during Christmas.

The GPRTU however, has reiterated its commitment to ensuring that fares remain fair and affordable, even during periods of high demand, and maintaining its integrity while creating a reliable and affordable transportation system that supports both festive activities and long-term economic stability.

Mr. Moro shared with The High Street Journal that the union plans to reassess its fare structures and operational management after the festive season, as this review aims to balance the needs of passengers with the realities of operational costs, ensuring a sustainable and transparent pricing system moving forward.

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Looking ahead to 2025, he revealed the union’s plans to tackle such issues and improve the transportation experience, saying, “We’ll make sure, after this year, we see how best we can manage these challenges. We are also hoping that prices will stabilize to make things better for everyone.”

Last Updated on March 16, 2025 by samboad