By Precious D. Freeman
Several citizens in Monrovia are complaining about the motorcyclists’ fare hike since the government embarked on the implementation of the ‘No Go Zone’ Policy in an effort to curb the rising cases of accidents and criminal activities involving them.
According to them, they are always forced to pay the fare requested by the motorcyclist without no compromise.
“Some of us pay huge amount just to get to our various destinations which never used to be like that, and when you begged them to reduce the fare, adding that, they will always tell you that they pay huge amount to get their bikes registered and insured, so they need to get it back.
The citizens complained that the economy situation is very hard, and they are all managing, so the motorcyclist should consider them,” they complained.
Some of them blamed the government through the Ministry of Transport for not adjusting the transportation fares before carrying out such policy.
The Ministry of Transport supposed to ensure that they adjust the transportation fares for both commercial drivers and that of the motorcyclist so that it can bring relief to commuters against the arbitrary hike in transport fares, they mumbled.
They maintained that since last year August, the Ministry of Transport has not yet released transport fares regulation adding that, public transport fares are supposed to be reviewed annually based on a fare formula, which balances the need to keep public transport system financially sustainable, while ensuring that fare adjustments are reasonable and affordable for commuters.
They added, “We also noticed that motorbikes are not always included in the transport fares regulation which is not supposed to be like that, that is why the cyclists always feel that their fares is controlled by themselves.”
They are however calling on the government to help them resolve the hiked fare issues, so that they all will stop being the victims of the ‘No Go Zone’ Policy.
Recently, the government embarked on the implementation of the new ‘No Go Zone’ policy for motorcyclists in central Monrovia in an effort to curb the rising cases of accidents and criminal activities involving motorcyclists.
This policy, according to an agreement reached between the Liberia National Police (LNP) and NAFOMTAL, prohibits motorcyclists and Kehkeh riders from operating in certain designated areas, known as ‘No Go Zones’ during day and night hours.
However, under the revised measures, motorcyclists are allowed to operate on the principal streets of Monrovia under certain restrictions, ranging from mandatory registration to insurance coverage, and the operation of motorcycles with only one passenger wearing a helmet.
Also, for the safety measures, they are to use reflective jackets and protective shoes at all times, while Kehkehs, before using similar routes, must be registered, insured, and are only allowed to carry three passengers and a valid driver’s license.
