Josiah
Commercial drivers operating on the Santasi-Tech and Santasi-Ejisu routes in Kumasi have suspended operations and parked their vehicles in protest against the arrest of some of their colleagues for allegedly charging passengers an additional GH¢1 on fares.
The action has left scores of passengers stranded at the Santasi station, as the drivers demand engagement with the authorities to resolve the dispute over transport fares.
The drivers argue that the additional GH¢1 is necessary to help them cope with rising fuel prices and increasing vehicle maintenance and operating costs.
They said although the government has proposed a 30% increase in transport fares, the adjustment has not yet been implemented.
According to the drivers, they have consequently been compelled to add GH¢1 to the existing fares to offset some of their rising operational expenses.
They claim that some drivers who have collected the additional fare have been arrested and fined, prompting the latest protest.
The drivers say they will only resume operations after the authorities agree to engage them in what they describe as a peaceful dialogue on the fare increase and address concerns over the arrests.
“Until the authorities meet us for a peaceful dialogue on the fare issue and stop arresting us and taking GH¢10,000 from us, we will not work,” one of the drivers said.
Another driver complained that the rising cost of fuel and other daily expenses has made it increasingly difficult for operators to earn a reasonable income.
The drivers maintain that the additional GH¢1 is not intended to impose an undue burden on passengers but is necessary to help them cope with the increasing cost of running their vehicles.
With the drivers refusing to operate, passengers who depend on the Santasi-Tech and Santasi-Ejisu routes have been forced to seek alternative means of transportation.
Source: Omanghana.com
