By Yussif Ibrahim
Kumasi, Oct. 10, GNA – The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) has intensified efforts to enforce compliance with approved transport fares and protect commuters against arbitrary fare increases.
Mr. Richard Ofori-Agyeman Boadi, the Mayor of Kumasi, led a team of KMA Transport Department officials and a security task force to monitor transport operations at Abrepo Junction, Racecourse, Ashtown, Kejetia and Adum.
The exercise involved stopping loaded commercial vehicles and engaging passengers to ascertain whether drivers were charging the approved fares before allowing them to proceed.
In some instances, the Mayor personally supervised the loading of vehicles to ensure that drivers complied with the approved fares and conveyed passengers to their intended destinations.
He cautioned commercial drivers against operating short-distance services, popularly known as “short-short”, which he said forced passengers to pay additional fares to reach their destinations.
Mr. Boadi said the practice disadvantaged commuters and urged drivers to comply with the transport arrangements and operational rules of their respective unions.
During the exercise, the Mayor and his team took over the loading of some vehicles to ensure that passengers were transported to their designated destinations in accordance with the transport charters of the unions.
Mr. Boadi also directed the immediate closure of transport unions operating without the requisite permits, instructing them to secure the necessary documentation before resuming operations.
The Mayor urged the public to report on commercial drivers and transport unions that failed to charge approved fares.
He gave the assurance that the Assembly would continue to monitor transport operations across the metropolis to ensure compliance with approved fares and protect commuters against unfair practices.
GNA
Reporter: Yussif Ibrahim/Benjamin Mensah
Email: [email protected]