Transport operators request review of public transport fares

Commercial transport operators in Ghana have formally requested a review of public transport fares after fuel prices rose and operating costs increased.

The Ghana Private Road Transport Union and the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council said they submitted the request under the administrative instrument governing fare-setting and reviews. They said the process considers the various costs involved in running commercial road transport services.

Petrol is now selling at GH¢16.21 per litre, up about 5% from GH¢15.43. Diesel has risen to GH¢17.61 per litre, a 2.58% increase from the previous average price of GH¢17.17. The increases also affected liquefied petroleum gas.

The government has said it will continue absorbing GH¢2 on every litre of diesel. It introduced that measure last month after fuel prices increased and transport operators threatened to raise fares.

The two transport groups said discussions with the Ministry of Transport would begin soon. They urged drivers, station masters, transport owners and the public to remain calm, saying the outcome of the consultations would be communicated later.

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This process forms part of the established consultative framework for determining and reviewing public transport fares, taking into account various inputs that go into the operations of commercial road transport services.