The National Union of Road Transport Workers, (NURTW), has said inter-state transport fares may increase across the country due to new rules and restrictions occasioned by COVID-19.
The ban on inter-state travel was lifted by the Federal Government with effect from July 1, with every parks and public transport operators expected to carry out crowd control and temperature checks.
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The vehicles are also expected to carry just 50 percent of its total capacity.
Reacting to the situation, the acting general secretary of the NURTW, Kabiru Yau said the new COVID-19 restrictions will reduce their income significantly. He also asked the Federal Government to help carry some of the added costs.
“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,” he said.
“At least, our people will now start working and get something to feed their families. But at the same time, 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. 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.”