Commuters across Ghana will pay higher fares for public transportation from Tuesday, June 2, 2026, following a 20% upward adjustment announced by the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and other commercial transport operators.
The increase, which affects intra-city trotro services, inter-city transport and shared taxi operations nationwide, was announced on Friday, May 29, after consultations with stakeholders and transport unions.
According to the operators, the fare hike has become necessary due to the persistent rise in fuel prices and the increasing cost of vehicle maintenance, including tyres, batteries, engine oil and other essential spare parts.
Speaking to MyJoyOnline on Saturday, May 30, National Deputy Public Relations Officer of the GPRTU, Samuel Amoah, said transport operators had delayed the adjustment in anticipation of improvements in 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.
Rising Operational Costs
The transport operators stated that the continuous increase in fuel prices and vehicle maintenance expenses has significantly affected their operations.
“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.
Compliance Measures
The GPRTU indicated that updated fare schedules would be displayed at lorry parks and transport terminals nationwide before the new rates take effect.
Passengers have been advised to familiarise themselves with the approved fare charts and pay only the officially sanctioned fares.
Transport operators also cautioned drivers, conductors and station managers against charging fares above the approved rates.
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.
Appeal To Commuters
The transport unions acknowledged the economic difficulties confronting many Ghanaians and admitted that the fare increase would place an additional burden on passengers.
However, they maintained that the decision was taken only after exhausting all available options.
The operators appealed to commuters and the general public for understanding and cooperation as the new fares take effect.
Call For Government Intervention
The transport groups also renewed calls for government intervention to address factors contributing to rising transportation costs.
They urged authorities to review taxes and import duties on vehicle spare parts and implement measures to stabilise fuel prices.
According to the operators, such interventions would help reduce operational expenses and ultimately benefit both transport providers and passengers.
The unions reiterated their commitment to providing safe, reliable and affordable transportation services despite the prevailing economic challenges.
The announcement is expected to spark discussions among commuters, businesses and transport stakeholders, given the likely impact of higher transport costs on household spending and the prices of goods and services nationwide.
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