KMA vows strict enforcement of 15% transport fare reduction

The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) has launched a citywide enforcement exercise to ensure full compliance with the newly approved 15% reduction in public transport fares, following an agreement between transport operators and the Ministry of Transport.

Speaking to the Kumasi Mail, Randy Wilson, KMA’s Urban Transport Director, emphasized that the move is part of a broader effort to regulate fare charges and eliminate arbitrary increases by commercial drivers.

According to Mr. Wilson, the decision to implement the fare reduction was reached during a meeting between the Ministry of Transport and transport unions in Accra last week.

The parties agreed that the 15% reduction would take effect from May 24, 2025.

Despite the official implementation date, monitoring by the KMA revealed widespread non-compliance among drivers.

“The mayor himself and other officials were on the ground, and we observed that many drivers were not adhering to the new fares,” Wilson noted.

In response, the KMA has activated its Metropolitan Transport Department (MTD), in collaboration with the police, to ensure drivers comply with the reduced fares.

The enforcement exercise began today and will continue until full compliance is achieved.

The public has also been urged to report non-compliant drivers by sending the vehicle number, route, and fare charged to the hotline 0244 540 238.

These complaints will be compiled and submitted to the MTD and the police for follow-up action.

Mr. Wilson cited existing laws, including the Road Traffic Act and the 2010 Passenger Transport Services Bylaw, as the legal basis for the enforcement exercise.

He emphasized that public transport operators must belong to recognized unions, operate from designated terminals, display destination indicators, and charge only approved fares.

Reacting to criticism from some legal commentators who claim the KMA lacks the authority to enforce fare regulations, Wilson stated, “The Assembly is empowered by law to regulate transport services within its jurisdiction. Anyone challenging this can test it in court, but our actions are legally grounded.”

He warned that drivers who flout the agreed fare reductions would face sanctions under the law, adding that enforcement efforts would be sustained beyond this week to prevent a return to arbitrary fare hikes.

The KMA’s campaign comes amid growing concerns from commuters about overcharging and a lack of accountability among commercial drivers.