National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) has said transport fares may be increased as interstate travel resumes in the country.
Acting General Secretary of the union, Kabiru Yau, made this known while commending the Federal Government for lifting the ban placed on interstate travel on June 29.
He called on the government to subsidise operation cost for motorists, stressing that guidelines outlined for the resumption of interstate travel require operators to have fewer passengers on each journey.
According to him, adhering to the guidelines means income of the drivers would be reduced as compared to pre-COVID-19.
Yau said;
We thank the Federal Government for lifting the ban; it is a welcome development because it is over three months that our members have been out of jobs and without income. At least, our drivers will now start working and earn money to feed their families.
He stressed that;
However, due to the spacing in the vehicles which will require the drivers to carry only nine or ten instead of the usual 18 passengers, the income of the drivers will be reduced.
So we want the government to help subsidise the cost of those passengers that we will not be carrying or we will have to increase our transport fares.
The acting General Secretary of the Union added that;
This is because the money that will be generated from the reduced number of passengers will barely cover the cost of fuel for the journey. So, what is the gain? What will you give to the owner of the vehicle? So, the government should please help us look into this matter.
On maintaining the COVID-19 protocols, he said the union would ensure its passengers obey the use of face masks, sanitisers and other essential safety guidelines.
