Ashaiman Commuters Cry Foul Over‘ Short-Loading Tactics As Trotro Drivers Double Fares

Unorthodox loading practices by some commercial drivers are imposing additional financial burdens on commuters in Ashaiman and its surrounding communities, with passengers often forced to pay far more than the approved transport fares especially during peak hours.

Commercial Trotro drivers operating on the Zenu to Tema corridor have increasingly adopted a practice known as “short-loading,” where a single trip is deliberately broken into shorter segments to maximise profits.

For instance, a direct journey from Zenu to Tema, which officially costs GH¢7.00, is now being split into two legs.

Drivers load passengers from Zenu to Ashaiman and charge GH¢5.00. Upon arrival in Ashaiman, the same passengers are made to board again and pay an additional GH¢6.00 to Tema. By the end of the journey, commuters pay GH¢11.00 an extra GH¢4.00at the expense of already overstretched workers.

Passengers say the situation is most severe during the morning rush hours and is repeated in the evening when they are returning from work in Tema.

Many describe the practice as exploitative and unfair, leaving them with no choice due to the lack of alternative transport.

Aggrieved commuters are calling for the deployment of a task force to monitor major loading points and enforce the approved transport fares.

They are also appealing to government to allocate a fair share of the proposed government-run buses to Ashaiman when they arrive in the country, arguing that the move would help curb the exploitation and provide affordable, reliable transportation for residents.

REPORTER: AHIABOR AUGUSTINE