Native Consortium Issues Ultimatum to Keke, Bike, and Sea Transport Operators to Comply with Government Fare Reductions

The Native Consortium has issued a stern warning to all motor drivers, including Keke riders, bike operators, and boat captains, urging immediate compliance with the government-mandated fare reductions.

The consortium has given a six-day deadline for enforcement by the Sierra Leone Public Transport Authority (SLPTA) and the Ministry of Transport, emphasizing that failure to do so will leave passengers no option but to board all land and sea transport without paying any fare.

The announcement specifies that for sea and land transport services not explicitly listed in the government price schedule, a full fare reduction of 20% must be applied. For instance, fares from Yagoi Jetty to Bonthe Island have been reduced from Le 50 to Le 40, and the Lungi Ferry terminal fare has decreased from Le 26 to Le 21.

Passengers are advised to carry exact change before boarding any Keke, bike, or other transport modes. The new fares for short rides such as Keke, bike, Poda-Poda, and taxis are now set at Le 8 or Le 5.

The consortium warned that if drivers and riders remain stubborn and refuse to comply, passengers are prepared to strike across jetties, transport parks, and streets nationwide starting after the deadline. The notice also stressed that passengers are aware of attempts to overcharge and will not tolerate cheating.

The ultimatum expires tomorrow, Sunday, marking the final day for all motor drivers to adhere to the revised transport fares announced by the Ministry of Transport. Should the drivers fail to comply, the consortium calls on all passengers to refuse payment when using transport services.