NURTW Justifies Transport Fare Increase In Rivers

The Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers(NURTW),Rivers State,Chief Monday Eleazar has clarified that the slight increase experienced in the transport fare in the state and beyond were in order.
Eleazar stated this in an interview with journalists in Port Harcourt, pointing out that in view of the high cost of spare parts, increase in fuel prices,popularly known as PMS, coupled with the deplorable state of the roads across the country,drivers were left with no option than to slightly increase their charges.
He urged passengers to be patient and bear with the union.
“Nobody is supposed to complain about the slight increase in transportation fare in Rivers State.The increase in transportation fare is necessary because of the rising cost of spare parts in the market and the high cost of fuel.
“In fact, the commuters should understand that everything about the commercial drivers has increased. Therefore, the increase of transport fare in Rivers State is justified. However, commuters should understand that the commercial drivers are operating in the way they will survive,” Eleazar said.
The NURTW boss further stressed that the plight of the commercial drivers in the country calls for empathy and tolerance,as well as patience because of what the commercial drivers pass through in the hands of different security agencies,as well as the bad state of the country’s road network.
Eleazar appealed to the Rivers State Commissioner for Transport, Barrister Osima Gina to formulate sound policies that would transform the transportation subsector in the state.
He advised members of National Union of Road Transport Workers(NURTW) in the state to be civil and shun misconduct in the discharge of their duties to the public.