Commuters are to braise themselves for a hike in transport fares effective Tuesday , June 2, the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and other commercial transport operators have announced.

According to the transport operator, the 20% upward adjustment has become necessary following rising cost of fuel prices linked to the intensified Middle East crisis amd increase in maintenance fees, engine oils and other spare parts.

Speaking to Accra based media house, MyJoyonline news on Saturday , May 30, the National Deputy Public Relagions Office of GPRTU, Samuel Amoah indicated that the increase of thw fares is long overdue. According to him his outfit delayed it wirh hopes of improved economic conditions.

“This increment should have come long ago, but we held on because when the government came in, there was a promise that prices were going to go down. Looking at where prices are now, if we don’t come up with this increment, it will affect our operations. Even the drivers are complaining seriously,” he said.

Mr Amoah added that several engagements had been held with government officials over the matter.

“There have been a series of indoor meetings to discuss this increment, but they kept asking us to hold on because of the promises and expectations,” he explained.

“The sustained high cost of fuel and spare parts has made it necessary and legitimate to review fares. The prices of tyres, engine oil, batteries and other essential components have increased considerably over the past months,” the operators said.

They noted that the adjustment would help cushion drivers and vehicle owners against rising operational costs while ensuring the continued provision of transport services.

To ensure compliance, the union said monitoring teams would work alongside the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service at major transport terminals across the country.

“Our task force, working with the Police MTTD, will monitor compliance at major stations. Anyone found overcharging will face sanctions,” the union warned.