LIBERIA: As Transport Ministry Releases New Fares Commercial Drivers Warned

The Ministry of Transport under the guidance of Minister Sirleaf Ralph Tyler has issued a new transportation fares within Monrovia and its environs with a stern warning to commercial drivers in an attempt to exploit commuters beyond the stipulated pricing.

Speaking at a news conference held at the Transport Ministry on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, Minister Tyler urged all commercial drivers inclusive of taxi, bus and kekeh operators to charge within the confines of the adjustment, or else face the full weight of the law.

He said the new fares will be distributed to all transport unions for onwards distributions to their members (commercial drivers) as well as published in major dailies so that the public is abreast with these new changes.

The Transport Ministry boss disclosed that fine for first offense is US$$100.00 for taxi and keke and US$200.00 for bus to be paid into the Central revenue account at the Central Bank of Liberia within 24 hours of the violation; while the second offense is double of that fine.

Mr. Tyler asserted that issuance of the new fares is resulted from series of engagements with stakeholders within the transport sector as well as several factors including: Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI) and Liberia Petroleum and Refining Company (LPRC) circular pump price for petroleum, distance covered in kilometer/mile, road condition (good or bad), CBL Exchange rate (high or low), category of vehicle spare parts.

“This was done through stakeholders’ engagement. It did not only take into consideration price of petroleum product on the market, but also the parts of vehicles. And so as we release these new fares, we urge you out there, the commercial drivers, to govern yourselves accordingly. Don’t charge beyond non approved price,” Minister Tyler told the news conference, which was also attended by representatives of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and various transport unions in the country.

He stated that the threshold for transportation fare in Montserrado County is still set at 0.50 cents USD or $100LRD for both upward and downward adjustments.

“GASOLINE: current pump price at $4.18 USD/$810LRD now, above $910LRD with threshold at 0.50 cents USD or $100 LRD, sets new transportation fares upward and gasoline which is at $810LRD, with threshold at $100LRD, and gasoline which is at $710LRD and below, sets new transportation fares downward.”

“FUEL OIL: Current price at $4.71USD/$913LRD, threshold at 0.50 cents USD or $100LRD; fuel which is $913LRD now with threshold at $100LRD, above 1,013LRD sets new transportation fares upward and fuel oil which is at $4.71 USD/$913LRD and below $913LRD, sets new transportation fares downward.”

As a means of further ensuring regulation of the new fares, Minister Tyler charged commuters and the public to report any violator to the Ministry of Transport or the nearest police station or officer, including MOT inspector or hotline numbers.