Taxi drivers operating in Akyem Oda in the Eastern Region are calling for an upward review of transport fares, citing rising petroleum prices, increased municipal levies and the growing cost of vehicle maintenance.
The drivers say the current GH¢4 fare for some local routes is no longer sustainable, particularly following recent increases in fuel prices and other operational expenses.
According to them, the situation has been compounded by an increase in the municipal council ticket from GH¢3 to GH¢4, further putting pressure on their daily earnings.
They argue that while their operational costs continue to rise, the fares they charge passengers have remained largely unchanged, making it increasingly difficult for them to maintain their vehicles and support their families.
The taxi drivers say they have therefore been compelled to increase fares on some routes from GH¢4 to GH¢5 to cushion themselves against the rising cost of doing business.
They insist the adjustment is not intended to exploit passengers but is a response to the prevailing economic conditions and the need to keep their vehicles on the road.
The drivers point to the recent increases in petroleum product prices as one of the major factors affecting their operations.
They say fuel constitutes a significant portion of their daily expenditure, while costs associated with servicing, spare parts, tyres, engine repairs and other vehicle maintenance have also increased considerably.
The drivers further argue that their demand is justified by developments in the broader commercial transport sector.
They claim that commercial vehicles operating from Akyem Oda to major destinations including Koforidua, Accra and Kumasi, as well as other parts of the country, have already adjusted their fares in response to rising operational costs.
They are therefore questioning why local taxi operators should be expected to maintain the old fares when they face similar, and in some cases higher, operating expenses.
The taxi drivers have also raised concerns over what they describe as harassment by the Birim Central Municipal Chief Executive, Solomon Kusi Brako, over the fare adjustment.
They allege that the MCE has taken steps to prevent them from charging GH¢5 instead of GH¢4, despite what they describe as the difficult economic circumstances confronting commercial drivers.
According to the drivers, some of their colleagues have allegedly been arrested and prosecuted after increasing their fares.
They contend that enforcement action against drivers will not address the underlying problem and are instead calling for dialogue between the Assembly, transport operators and other stakeholders to arrive at a fare that reflects current economic realities.
The drivers are appealing to the Birim Central Municipal Assembly and relevant transport authorities to engage them on the matter rather than relying solely on enforcement measures.
They maintain that they are willing to work within an agreed fare structure but insist that any fare must take into account the current cost of fuel, vehicle maintenance, municipal charges and other expenses associated with commercial transport.
They also want authorities to consider the impact of rising operating costs on their livelihoods and find a sustainable solution that protects both drivers and passengers.
The dispute over the local taxi fare comes amid broader concerns among commercial transport operators about rising operational costs, with drivers across the country periodically calling for fare reviews whenever fuel prices and other transport-related expenses increase.
By 1960news.com
