The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has proposed a 30% increase in public transport fares, citing rising fuel prices and mounting operational expenses.

Deputy Industrial and Public Relations Officer of the GPRTU, Samuel Amoah, disclosed the proposed adjustment to Class News.

According to him, the proposed increase reflects the growing cost of running commercial vehicles, including expenditure on fuel, spare parts, lubricants, insurance and taxes.

Mr Amoah said the union had already tabled a 30% fare adjustment in August but put the proposal on hold after government appealed for more time.

He noted that while government’s decision to absorb GH¢2 per litre of diesel had provided some relief to transport operators, fuel prices remained too high to allow drivers to continue charging existing fares without incurring losses.

“If we don’t come out with any increment, the drivers will still be running at a loss,” he said.

Mr Amoah stressed, however, that the 30% proposal is not final and will be subject to negotiations between the transport operators and government.

He indicated that the eventual increase could be lower if the discussions result in reductions in fuel prices and other major components of the cost of operating commercial vehicles.

“It’s likely it might come down. But for the increment not to happen, they would have to reduce the fuel price and the other components before we decide not to increase the fares,” he said.

The proposed adjustment is expected to be discussed with the Ministry of Transport as part of the ongoing consultations on public transport fares.