An apparent shortage of commercial vehicles on the Nungua-Accra route is forcing commuters to pay as much as GH¢20.00 for a journey that ordinarily costs GH¢6.00.
The report indicates that an apparent shortage of commercial vehicles on the Nungua-Accra route is forcing commuters to pay as much as GH¢20.00 for a journey that ordinarily costs GH¢6.00.
It further notes that every morning, hundreds of commuters queue at the Nungua lorry station to board the limited number of commercial vehicles travelling to Accra and Tema.
While some wait for long periods, others resort to private vehicles charging significantly higher fares to avoid reporting late for work.
Many commuters told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that the situation had increased their daily transport costs and affected their ability to meet other household expenses.
Mr Solomon Mensah, a commuter, described the situation as worrying.
“Normally, I pay GH¢6.00 to Accra, but sometimes I pay GH¢20.00. Transport is already one of my biggest daily expenses, and if this continues, many workers will struggle to meet other household needs,” he said.
He stated the shortage of vehicles was affecting productivity as many workers reported late to their workplaces and appealed to transport operators and the relevant authorities to help address the challenge.
Ms Elsie Koranteng, a civil servant, stated she spent more than an hour waiting for a commercial vehicle before opting for a private car.
“I had an important meeting at work and could not afford to be late. Although the fare was expensive, I had no choice,” she said.
Ms Linda Ofori, a national service person who commutes daily between Nungua and Accra, stated the increased transport cost was placing an additional burden on workers whose income had remained unchanged.
She stated spending more on transport meant less money was available for food, rent, school fees, and other essential needs.
One of the private drivers told the GNA that passengers were not compelled to use his services and were free to accept his fare or wait for commercial vehicles.
The GNA observed long queues of commuters at the station, with some opting for private vehicles despite the higher fares to avoid delays.
Nii Akorsey Bortey II, Chairman of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) at Nungua, reacting to the development, stated the station authorities were unaware that some passengers were being exploited by private drivers charging excessive fares.
