No Fare Increase, ‘Waawaa’ Drivers Responsible for Surge in Evening Transport Costs – GPRTU
GPRTU clarifies that the rise in transport fares is due to rogue drivers, not an official fare hike
- Evening transport fares nearly double, causing financial strain and frustration among passengers
- Regional Vice Chairman Samuel Addai confirms GPRTU has not increased fares, blaming 'waawaa' drivers for the surge
- GPRTU plans to work with KMA Urban Roads to ensure better monitoring and identification of offenders
Commuters are expressing outrage over sharp hikes in transport fares during evening hours, leaving many feeling financially strained.
For weeks, local drivers, particularly ‘waawaa’ drivers, have been charging significantly inflated fares after sunset, nearly doubling the standard rates.
This sudden surge has left passengers caught off guard, forced to either pay the inflated fares or risk missing their ride home.
In an interview with Kwame Tanko on the Lawson TV/Radio Ghana Se Sen Show, Ashanti Regional Vice Chairman of the GPRTU, Mr. Samuel Addai clarified that the GPRTU has not increased fares.
He explained that the ‘short short’ charges are solely being imposed by the ‘waawaa’ drivers.
“GPRTU has not increased transport fares. Any increase would come from Accra. GPRTU does not arbitrarily raise fares,” he stated.
Mr. Addai also mentioned the challenge GPRTU faces in dealing with these drivers, noting that offenders who are caught are often banned from returning to the stations.
However, he assured that measures will be put in place in collaboration with KMA Urban Roads to ensure all vehicles display a clear transport union sticker for easier identification of offenders.
“The passengers are suffering, and we are committed to stopping this practice,” he affirmed.
