Commercial drivers in Cross River State have concluded plans to increase transportation fares from N50 to N100 per short distance drive in Calabar, the state capital.
The reasons for the hike in price include a rise in prices of spare parts, lubricants and fuel (PMS) which currently stands at N170 in major parts of Calabar metropolis, amongst other reasons.
In a statement released on Thursday and signed by Unified Commercial Drivers Association of Cross River State Public Relations Officer, Comrade James Odu and Director Of Operations, Comrade Victor Okon, the various unions stated that the increment was due to the incessant hike in fuel and spare parts prices in the market.
The drivers lamented that the prices of spare parts and fuel had increased since 2015 and that they could no longer bear the burden, so the increment was inevitable.
“We the commercial drivers of Calabar Metropolis have decided to increase transportation fare from N50 to N100 short distance due to high cost of spare parts, fuel and other commodities in the market.
“The increment will take effect from Monday, November 22, 2021,” the statement read in part.
“The price of these commodities skyrocketed between 2015 and 2021 as engine oil that usually goes for N2,500 is now N8,500 and so many other parts.
“Belgium tyre that sells for N3,000 is now N7,000, fuel which was N87 naira is now N170 per litre in major parts of the metropolis, Audi engine which sold for N60,000 is now N210,000, a timing belt that sells for N2,000 is now N15,000; and so on,” they stated.
The planned hike of transport fare did not go down well with many commuters in the state capital as many believed that it was going to lead to a huge increase in the prices of goods and services
Many of them who spoke with Nigerian Tribune argued that the timing was wrong and advised the drivers to maintain the current price till the end of 2021 because the price of fuel would still come down.
Speaking to Nigerian Tribune in Calabar, a resident, Pascal Bajie said that their plight was valid but the timing was wrong, adding that increasing the price during the yuletide season was not such a good idea.
“The fuel price, increase, we know is due to the season and we also know that there are some increment here and there, but the effect of hiking transport fare will be huge. They should reconsider their stance on the matter before November 22.”
Another commuter, Mr Anthony Chijioke said the effect of adding the extra N50 would lead to a rise in the price of so many other items.
“The other day it was sachet water, today it is transport fare. I wonder what hope is left for the common man whose salary has not been increased but is expected to pay a higher price for goods and services, the move is insensitive,” Chijioke bemoaned.
YOU SHOULD NOT MISS THESE HEADLINES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
We Have Not Had Water Supply In Months ― Abeokuta Residents
In spite of the huge investment in the water sector by the government and international organisations, water scarcity has grown to become a perennial nightmare for residents of Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital. This report x-rays the lives and experiences of residents in getting clean, potable and affordable water amidst the surge of COVID-19 cases in the state.
and then