Commercial transport operators in Kumasi have warned of a potential shortage of vehicles in the city’s Central Business District (CBD) if transport fares are not increased to reflect rising operating costs.

The operators said high fuel and other operational expenses were forcing some drivers to avoid the CBD, particularly during peak evening traffic, leaving commuters stranded for long periods.

They said the situation was becoming more pronounced as drivers opted to operate on the outskirts of Kumasi, where they could complete more trips while spending less time and fuel in traffic.

Asaase News caught up with some of the operators who say the growing number of drivers avoiding the city centre could worsen the transport situation in the coming weeks.

“Now the fear is that, the more the drivers fail to operate in the central business district, the more people get stranded during rush hour,” one operator said.

Another operator warned that reduced availability of vehicles could also create opportunities for some drivers to charge passengers higher fares.

“The situation also gives room for the few available drivers to charge exorbitant fares with the passenger at the receiving end,” the operator said.

The operators said passengers were already spending hours looking for vehicles to take them home after work, particularly during the evening rush.

They are calling on the government, the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and other stakeholders to urgently agree on an increase in transport fares to ease pressure on commercial drivers.

The operators said drivers would be willing to resume regular operations in the CBD if a fare adjustment is approved.