Residents of Awka in Anambra have decried the recent increase in transportation fares, describing the development as worrisome and burdensome.
A cross section of residents, who spoke with CoreTruth in Awka said the rising cost of transport had significantly affected their daily lives.
A corps member, Mr Sina Afolabi, said transportation had become more expensive, noting that he now pays N700 instead of the usual N500 to get to his workplace.
Afolabi said the increase had negatively impacted him, forcing him to cut down on personal expenses to cope with the situation.
Similarly, Mr Onyeka Akanna, a civil servant, attributed the hike in transport fares to the rising cost of fuel, noting that it had also affected the prices of food items.
He added that a tricycle operator conveying his children to school had increased the monthly school run charges.
According to him, efforts to persuade the driver to reconsider the increase were unsuccessful, thereby placing additional financial strain on his family.
In his remarks, Mr Chizoba Chijindu, a trader, decried the high cost of fuel, stating that it had compelled many residents to trek longer distances before boarding tricycles.
Chijindu appealed to the Federal Government to consider the hardship faced by citizens and take necessary steps to stabilise fuel prices.
Also speaking, Mrs Chika Onu, a business woman said the increase in transport fares had adversely affected the movement of people.
“With the current hike in transportation costs, people intending to travel during the Easter season may find it difficult,” she said.
A trader at Eke-Awka Market, Mrs Ngozi Okey, said the high transport fares had reduced her profit margin.
“I spend more on transporting my goods now. Sometimes, I have to increase the price of my items and customers complain or refuse to buy,” she said.
A commercial bus driver, Mr Steven Eze, however, defended the fare increase, saying operators were also struggling with the rising cost of fuel and vehicle maintenance.
“We are not happy increasing fares, but fuel price and spare parts are very expensive. If we do not adjust fares, we won’t be able to operate,” he said.
A student of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Miss Chiamaka Okoro, said the hike had affected her attendance at lectures.
“On some days, I skip classes because I can not afford the transport fare. I now rely on trekking part of the distance to save money.
“I used to spend N1,000 for a round trip between Aroma and the school, but now I pay N1,400,” she said.
Another resident, Mr Ifeanyi Nwoye, said the situation had forced him to reduce the number of times he visits his shop.
“I’m an electrician. Now I go to my shop fewer times in a week to cut transport costs. This has affected my income seriously.
“I am calling on relevant authorities to urgently address the situation to ease the burden on the masses, “he said
