By Precious D. Freeman
Several citizens are voicing their frustration over what they described as repeated failures by the government to implement announced reductions in transportation fares.
In recent weeks, concerns have resurfaced following the Ministry of Transport’s latest announcement reducing fares for various modes of public transport including buses, taxis, and Kekehs. However, commuters say there has been no visible change on the ground.
Yesterday, a woman identified only as Ma Sarah expressed her discontent, saying, “The Ministry of Transport has reduced transportation fares several times, but it’s just lip service. These are empty pronouncements that are never implemented.”
She added that this has become a recurring issue across successive governments. “The past regime did the same thing—announced reductions that never took effect. Now this new government is following the same pattern.”
Ma Sarah questioned the sincerity of the government’s intentions. “Why pretend to help the people when they know these decisions won’t be enforced? The drivers are doing their own thing. They charge passengers however they want, and we’re left with no choice but to pay because we need to get to our destinations.”
Since President Joseph Boakai assumed office, his administration announced a drop in transportation fares to ease the economic burden on citizens.
A revised fare structure was made public by the Ministry of Transport, detailing new prices for various routes and vehicles. But commuters say this announcement has yet to make a real impact.
“The government said prices were reduced, but no driver is following that. We’re still paying the same high fares—sometimes even more. It’s like no one is monitoring or enforcing these rules,” another commuter said.
The lack of enforcement has left many frustrated, especially in the face of increasing hardship and rising living costs.
“We are tired of suffering,” said a resident of Paynesville. “This is so unfair. The country is hard. Where do they expect us to get money from just to keep spending on high transport fares?”
Many are calling on the Ministry of Transport to not only issue directives but to also ensure strict implementation and monitoring, so that announcements are not just words but actions that improve the daily lives of citizens.
Efforts to reach the Ministry of Transport for comments on enforcement mechanisms were unsuccessful at the time of this report.
As the frustration grows, citizens are urging the government to bridge the gap between policy and practice—before public trust erodes further.
Citizens Question Unregulated Transport Fare
