Drivers Reveal the Pressures Behind Charging ‘Short-Short’ Fares
'Waawaa' Drivers Open Up About the Struggle to Stay Profitable Amid Passenger Demands for Faster Loading
- Drivers explain that many commuters prefer 'waawaa' cars for quicker loading times
- Passengers often opt for cars not heading directly to their destinations
- Smaller vehicles, like the Pregio, can only carry a few passengers, making 'short short' fare charges necessary to cover costs
As commuters continue to express frustration over the rising costs of transport fares in the evening, drivers of ‘waawaa’ cars informally known for their short short fare charges have explained why they have resorted to this practice.
In an exclusive interview with Kwame Tanko on the Ghana Se Sen Morning Show on Lawson TV/Radio, the drivers shared their side of the story. According to them, the sudden increase in fares stems from passenger preferences rather than any fare hikes imposed by transport unions.
“The passengers are the ones driving this trend,” one driver explained. “They don’t want to board station cars because they believe they won’t load fast enough. They’d rather take waawaa cars, even if it means paying higher fares.”
Additionally, drivers pointed out that passengers often refuse to board cars heading directly to their destinations, opting instead for those going in different directions.
“If we don’t charge short short fares, we won’t be able to fill the cars and operate profitably. Cars like the Pregio, for instance, only take a few passengers. If we wait for a full load at regular fares, it will be unprofitable,” another driver added.
Despite the backlash, the drivers maintain that the rising fares are a result of passenger choices rather than any deliberate price hike.
They insist that without this adjustment, many of them would be forced to run at a loss, as the limited space in their vehicles makes it difficult to generate enough revenue.
While passengers continue to voice their displeasure, it seems the dance between demand, passenger expectations, and the reality of transport logistics remains a complex issue that is hard to untangle.
The drivers, however, remain adamant that they are simply responding to the needs of the market.
