By Laurina B. Lormia
The Ministry of Transport is urging citizens to report any cases of overcharging by commercial vehicle operators as a measure to broaden the enforcement of fair pricing standards and protection of passengers from exploitation.
The Ministry has also emphasized that strict penalties will be applied to those who violate the established fare guidelines.
According to Transport, on first offenses, taxis and Kehkeh’s (tricycles) will be fined US$100 while buses will be US$ 200.
Second offense fines double, with taxis and kehkehs charged US$200 and buses US$400 while the third offense warrants a two-year suspension of the operator’s driver’s license.
On July 31, Transport launched the new transport fares calling on all stakeholders to cooperate with the new structure aimed at creating a fair and efficient transportation system within Montserrado County.
During a press conference, Minister of Transport, Sirleaf R. Tyler stated that the Ministry is working closely with transportation unions and law enforcement agencies to monitor adherence to the new fare structure.
He further explained that consultative technical meetings were held in June 2024 with various road transport unions and other stakeholders, including the Liberia National Police, to find common grounds for fare adjustments.
“On July 3, 2024, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, in collaboration with the Liberia Petroleum Refining Corporation, issued a circular announcing the new pump prices for petroleum products,” Tyler said. “Gasoline was set at US$4.18 or L$810.92 per gallon, and diesel at US$ 4.71 or L$913.74 per gallon,” he narrated.
Tyler added that the technical committee finalized the new fare listings for Montserrado County, covering Taxis, Buses, and Kehkehs, with Motorcycles only included in Central Monrovia. He noted that the standard fare for Montserrado County remains at US$ 0.50 or L$100 for both upward and downward routes.
Meanwhile, in an interview with the Inquirer Newspaper on Monday, November 11, Transport advised commuters and the public to report any violators to the Ministry or the nearest police station, including Transport inspectors.
According to them, despite the recent changes, however, citizens appear to be refraining from reporting cases of overcharging, possibly suggesting satisfaction with the current prices.
The Ministry is continuing its efforts to promote public vigilance and cooperation to ensure fair transport practices, starting a nationwide inspection on November 11.
This initiative includes checking vehicles, kehkehs (tricycles), buses, and motorbikes, as well as monitoring transport fares, to ensure the message reaches all parts of the country.
