21 drivers in Accra are in deep trouble for charging high and unapproved fares.
They were rounded up during GPRTU operations to crack down on recalcitrant drivers.
National Guard Commander of the GPRTU, Derumond Ekow Gaise, said the operation which will now be extended to the evenings, is part of a wider effort to tackle driver indiscipline in the city and enforce only approved fares.
At the main Odorkor lorry terminal 6 drivers were arrested for charging GHC9.00 from Sowutuom to Accra Central, because of short stops, while 15 were arrested at Ablekumah on Wednesday.
But the drivers will not have it and described their arrests as unjustified.
“Our car owners saddle us with a daily sale of 600-800, cedis, if we don’t do these short stop trips, we cannot even break even. The cost of living has only reduced in books, but not in reality, and that is why we also do these”, one driver argued.
According to another driver, “we pay a lot of charges and tickets and tolls, at the various lory terminals and this is how we can make up for the losses, so I don’t think they should arrest us because of that.”
Other drivers also asked for increased education on the activities of the taskforce to prevent further arrest.
Some Executives of the Odorkor GPRTU, cautioned their members to adhere to the union regulations.
National Guard Commander of the GPRTU, Derumond Ekow Gaise, says the operation will be extended to the evenings.
“We are everywhere and we will ensure that the drivers do the right thing. We know they do these arbitrary charges in the mornings and evenings so we will extend our operations to the evenings too”, he added.
He hinted that the arrested drivers will be handed over to the Police MTTD for investigations and prosecution, if necessary.
The GPRTU has warned that similar operations will continue across the city to ensure drivers adhere to regulations, protect commuter interests, and reduce disputes on public transport routes in Accra.
Source:Fiilafmonline/3News
