Increase in transport fares take effect

The 15% rise in transport fares announced by the Road Transport Operators took effect from last Saturday, February 26, 2022.

Leadership of the transport unions have been in talks with government since December 2021, demanding an increment in fares.

They had demanded a 30% upward adjustment, but that was turned down by the government.

The transport unions and government after a meeting on Monday, February 21, 2022, agreed to the 15 percent rise in fares, and it was to take effect today.

“We kindly request all commercial transport operators to comply with the new fares and post same at loading terminals”, the Road Transport Operators union said in a statement.

The increment, according to the group, is in line with the administrative arrangements on public transport fares and after intense negotiations with stakeholders and in consideration of the plight of drivers, commuters and the general public.

It also cited current trends on the international market and their impact on domestic fuel prices.

Various transport associations say the high cost of fuel, high import duty on vehicles, increase in the cost of spare parts and vehicle lubricants are among the reasons for the increment in fares.

“We further request all operators and the general public to kindly cooperate for the successful implementation of the new fares”, the Road Transport operators further urged.