Accra, March 1, GNA - The Management of Metro Mass Transit Ltd (MMT) on Monday commenced a standardised charging luggage fare in all 16 depots nationwide.

A statement signed by Mr Henk Visschers, Managing Director of MMT, said it had become necessary for the corporate entity to charge "realistic and economic luggage fares rates" to enhance its fare stabilisation role in the transport industry and in line with its vision of providing "affordable means of transportation to the Ghanaian populace". He said henceforth all luggage transported by MMT would be weighed on luggage scales and would attract a fixed price across board at all depot of the company.

"Fares charged for carrying luggage in MMT buses shall be paid in cash to the conductor/luggage clerk/driver where applicable before boarding the bus."

Mr Visschers said passengers would be given luggage tickets for paying the charge for the extra luggage in the luggage compartments of MMT buses. However, some items have been prohibited and would not be transported in either passenger or luggage compartment of any MMT bus. These items include grease, palm oil, motor engine, local gin (Akpeteshie), livestock, loaded fire arm, offensive weapons, filled liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), frozen foodstuffs such as fish, meat and poultry.

It said perishable items, such as salted fish, shrimps that have strong smell will not be allowed unless the items were well packaged to prevent the smell. Fragile items like glass products would be carried at the consent of the passenger at his or her own risk. "All luggage items on board MMT buses are not insured as such passengers convey luggage at their own risk." Mr. Visschers advised passengers to look out for the displayed fares on the buses and various bus terminuses saying they should pay the appropriate fares and always insist on their tickets.