Commercial Drivers In Calabar Hike Transportation Fares Due To High Cost Of Vehicle Maintenance

Some commercial drivers in Calabar, Cross River State, have agreed to increase transport fares in the state capital.

This was disclosed in a notice released on Thursday in Calabar and jointly signed by James Odu, Public Relations Officer, Unified Commercial Drivers Association of Cross River State.

The drivers said they reached the decision due to the high cost of vehicle parts as well as cost of maintenance.

They added that increment in fuel price was also having a direct impact on transport fare.

“We, the Commercial Drivers of Calabar Metropolis, have decided to increase transportation fare from 50 to 100 naira 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 price of these commodities skyrocketed between 2015 and 2021 as engine oil that usually goes for 2,500naira was now 8,500 and so many other parts.

“Belgium tyre that sells for 3,000 is now 7,000 naira, fuel which was 87 naira is now 170 per litre in major parts of the Metropolis, Audi engine which sold for 60,000 is now 210,000 naira Timing belt that sells for NGN2,000 is now NGN15,000; and so on,” the union stated.

On his part, Victor Okon, Director Of Operations of the group, told THE WHISTLER on telephone that the development is inevitable.

“Everything you saw in the notice is true and speaks of our resolved agreement.

“We are aggrieved and we pray our cries will be listened to,” he said.