Consumer Protection Consortium has slammed a proposed fare increment agreed between the ministry of transport and transport union.

The consumer lobby group said it understood that the drivers’ union has struck a deal with the government that will allow it to increase fare this month (October). 

Speaking at a news conference held at Action Aid offices in Kanifing, president of Consumer Protection Consortium (CPC) Alpha Ousman Jallow, criticised the plan fare increase. 

He said the union is demanding fare increase “without exhausting other possible options and reaching an agreement with Consumer Protection Consortium.

“Considering the economic conditions and rising inflation in this country, the CPC holds that any increments in fares will have a spiral effect on transportation costs of essential commodity price resulting in inflation and further hardship for consumers.”

“In light of the above, we call on the ministry of transport to withhold the proposed fares until the route licensing scheme and labeling of commercial vehicles are operationalised and a binding agreement reached with the transport Union and other stakeholders,” Jallow added.

The consumer lobby group also condemned the drivers’ union for last month strike that caused hardship for commuters and businesses. 

Reporting by Adama Makasuba