TAMALE DRIVERS DIVIDED OVER NEW FARES

Tamale(N/R), Jan. 30, Drivers in the Tamale municipality are divided over the 40 per cent increase in transport fares announced by the Ghana Private Road and Transport Union (GPRTU) recently. While a section of the drivers has increased the fares by 50 cedis, which is less than the 40 per cent, others said although there is the need for an increase, they would maintain the old fares until official directives are received. Drivers plying between Tamale Central and areas like Sakasaka, Nyohini, Lamashegu, Central Hospital, Choggu, and Education Ridge have increased their fares, but those plying Sakasaka Quarters, Kamina Barracks, Mile Nine and Savelugu are maintaining the old fares. Mallam Shaibu Amadu, secretary of the Savelugu drivers union, told GRI today that although the union supports the increase in view of the rising cost of vehicle spare parts and lubricants, they expect that directives to that effect should come from the Northern Regional secretariat of the GPRTU. However, Mr Mahamadu Zakari, vice chairman of the main taxi rank drivers union and Mr Abdulai Alhassan, secretary of the Aboabu lorry park union, expressed their support for the 50 cedis increase, saying it was long overdue. He said they have decided to charge 50 cedis, which is lower than the 40 per cent increase, in order not to scare away passengers, adding that "since the new fare was introduced last Saturday, January 27, business has been going on as usual". Mr Alhassan said third party insurance for taxis has gone up from 40,000 cedis to 76,000 cedis, while cargo trucks now pay 91,000 cedis instead of 45,000 cedis. "Trotros" and other commercial vehicles now pay 83,000 cedis instead of 45,000 cedis, he said.