Commuters across major routes in the Greater Banjul Area have expressed frustration over recent increases in transport fares, describing the adjustments as a growing strain on household incomes.

The fare hike, introduced under the Ministry of Transport, Works and Infrastructure, has affected key routes including Brufut, Sukuta, Tallinding, Brikama and Yundum, with passengers reporting higher daily travel costs.

At Turntable, Ebrima Camara, a Brufut resident, said the increase has significantly affected his budget, noting that he now spends close to D100 daily on transport.

At Tipper Garage, Binta Mambureh, a smoked fish vendor from Sukuta Nema, said the situation is worsening for traders, with transport costs along the Bundung–LatriKunda–Serekunda corridor now exceeding D90 per day.

At the Serekunda–Brikama Garage, Fatou Ceesay of Tallinding said fares from Tallinding to Serekunda have risen from D10 to D15, adding that passengers often have no option but to accept the increase. “Sometimes people just accept it,” she said.

At Westfield, Isatou Manneh, a Brikama resident, described the situation as difficult, noting that fares on the Westfield–Brikama route have moved beyond previous rates of under D50. She called on authorities to reconsider the adjustment.

At Yundum, Oumie Gassama said her daily transport cost now stands at about D125, while Binta Jammeh of Madiana said fares from Madiana to Tipper Garage have increased from D25 to D35, adding that the rise remains burdensome despite her limited travel.

However, some commuters along the Coastal Road say they have not yet experienced any fare changes. Anta Njie of Nema said transport costs in her area remain stable.

As the increases take effect across several routes, commuters are calling for urgent review of the fare structure, warning that the rising cost of transport is worsening the broader cost-of-living pressures.

By Adama Makasuba