By Michael Pepsin Avorgah
Aflao (V/R), Oct. 5, GNA – Mr Michael Klutsey, the Chairman of the Aflao Branch of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), has said drivers are not satisfied with the recently agreed eight per cent adjustment in transport fares but are complying with the arrangement.
He said the adjustment was below what drivers had expected, but they had accepted the explanation from their national leadership, following discussions on the matter in Accra.
Mr Klutsey, told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that drivers were facing increasing operational costs, including fuel, spare parts, vehicle insurance, maintenance and lubricants.
He said the high cost of maintaining vehicles and providing transport services made it necessary for the unions to negotiate fares that would enable drivers to remain in business.
Drivers had been complaining about the situation because they had continued to absorb some of the increases in operating costs while fuel and spare parts prices continued to rise, he said.
Mr Klutsey said projected increases in petroleum product prices could further add to the financial pressure on drivers.
He acknowledged that increases in fuel prices usually influenced the prices of goods and services but appealed to the Trades Union Congress (TUC) and the Government to consider the challenges confronting commercial transport operators when determining fares.
He therefore appealed to drivers to comply with the eight per cent adjustment and refrain from charging passengers above the approved increase, while the leadership continued discussions with the Government on the concerns of drivers.
Mr Kudjo Cephas Exe, Secretary of the Aflao branch of the Progressive Road Transport Owners Association (PROTOA), said members of the association were also dissatisfied with the eight per cent adjustment.
He said the leadership had been engaging members to help them understand the arrangement and remain calm as further discussions continued.
Mr Exe said rising fuel prices were putting additional pressure on drivers and called for measures to address the welfare and operational challenges of private transport operators.
He said state-owned transport services also faced rising operational costs, but government support helped cushion them from some of the challenges faced by private transport operators.
He urged drivers to cooperate with the existing arrangement as their leadership continued engagements with the Government, to address their concerns and seek fares that would enable them to sustain their operations.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/ Christabel Addo