By: Kemo Kanyi
Commuters have raised disapproval of the unofficial fare hikes in parts of the Greater Banjul Area (GBA) during rush-hours.
This unsanctioned fare increase has been financially burdening many commuters, most of whom struggle on a daily basis to afford a decent meal for themselves and their family.
Many commuters, who spoke to this medium, complained that commercial vehicle drivers have been exploiting the difficult situation that people had to go through in moving from point A to B.
During peak hours, some commercial vehicle drivers will inflate transport fares by two to three folds.
In Banjul for example, fares are increased from D15 to D50 for Westfield.
Elsewhere in the GBA, taxi fares from Westfield to Old Jeshwang in the has been pegged at D20, up by D7.
Along the Sukuta -Jabang stretch, fares could be increased up to D10, depending on the mood of the driver and/or his mate. In some destinations, fares can go up D75 or D100 which, under normal circumstances, cost them D15, D20 or D30.
Earlier this month, the Gambia Police Force issued a statement strongly condemning what it described as “unauthorized fare hikes and unlawful practice by drivers which unfairly burden commuters”. It instructed officers stationed on roads and checkpoints to monitor compliance and take appropriate action against violators.
Mariamatou Manjang, a woman in her 60s, told The Voice that she commutes from Old Yundum daily but that she has always been forced to pay more fares when returning home.
“I pay D15 between Old Yundum and Brikama in the morning or afternoon, but in the evening when I am travelling back home, drivers will charge D50 or D75 when there is vehicle scarcity. If you complain about the hike, they will ask you to disembark their vehicle. So, you will be forced to comply with them because that’s the only way out,” she lamented.
Businessman Momodou Barry, civil servant Amadou Badjie and petty trader Alimatou Camara, who commute between Brikama and Serekunda, also echoed a similar problem.
They appealed to the authorities to address the “unlawful” action by the drivers.
When contacted for his reaction, Omar Ceesay, president of the Gambia Transport Union urged drivers to channel their challenges to the Union and advised them against violating the laws of the land.
“We understand that the operational cost of transportation is a burden on drivers because it’s very expensive. We are working with stakeholders to address certain challenges faced by drivers. I am calling on them [drivers] to work towards respecting the value of every individual in the country. We are all commuters. All drivers have family members, who are commuting daily. So, the burden is on everyone. My advice to drivers is that let them respect the laws of the country. We all need to work hand in glove for a better Gambia,” he stated.