MOT, MOC Release New Price Regulation, Works With LNP For Enforcement

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MONROVIA, The Ministry of Transport (MoT) and the Ministry of Commerce (MoC) in collaboration with the Liberia National Police (LNP) have launched new transportation fares for all categories of commercial transport with the exception of motorcycle in Monrovia and its environs.

Addressing a press briefing at the weekend, Transport Minister Samuel A. Wlue stated that the high transportation fare in the country was due to the prices of petroleum products on the Liberian market.

According to the Minister, the new transportation fares are due to the serious public outcry about rising fares, adding that the reduction will bring relief to commuters.

Minister Wlue explained that the issue of petroleum products and transportation fares fall within the jurisdiction of both the Ministries of Transport and Commerce.

According to him, the Ministry of Transport is currently engaged with the Ministry of Commerce to ensure that price assessment or survey of vehicle spare parts is conducted on the Liberian market, as well as working hard to stabilize or reduce the current prices of petroleum products on the market.

“The adjusted fares were structured according to the different modes of transportation which include taxi, tricycle (kekeh) and bus,” he said.

He added that the Ministry of Commerce on July 27, 2021, released the prices of gasoline and fuel oil at US$3.70 (LRD$635) and US$3.80 (LRD$655) respectively.

Minister Wlue maintained that the adjusted transport fares structure takes into consideration the prices of petroleum products, traveling distances, seating capacity of vehicle, among other things, as factors to derive at these fares for Monrovia and its environs.

“It is because of Government’s sensitivity to the plight of the people and in line with our statutory mandates or responsibilities that technicians from MoT and Commerce have been holding series of technical discussions aimed at arriving at an acceptable fare structure, while efforts are being made to holistically address the issue of fares nationwide,” he said.

The Transport Ministry, however, mandates commercial drivers to comply with these newly approved fares because robust enforcement strategy has been put in place to apprehend would-be violators.

He added that in order to enforce this transportation fare, the Transport Ministry’s Inspectors and Warden officers assigned round town will work in collaboration with the LNP at all pick up and destination points.

He stated that Traffic Police Officers of the LNP assigned at different corners of the streets are urged to assist enforce the fares, adding that passengers or commuters should exhibit good behavior and possibly report violators to the nearest police officer or inspector.

Meanwhile, he mentioned that the penalty specified for violators or commercial drivers overcharging outside the approved fares are: First offence US$100 for taxi and kekeh, second offence US$200 for taxi and kekeh.

He continued that the first offence for bus is US$200, second offence for bus is US$400, adding that the money will be paid into the Central Revenue Account at the Central Bank of Liberia within 24 hours of the violation.

He continued that the third offence of all will be two years suspension of operator’s driver license.

Minister Wlue added that the Ministry is collaborating with stakeholders to conduct inspection exercise of trucks at the LPRC, NPA and CEMENCO so as to enable the road worthiness of these trucks and ensure public safety as they strive to effect quality inspection services.