Bike Riders in Constant Discussions On Fare Review

Following the communiqué from the Prime Minister's Office readjusting the prices of one litre of premium grade (supper) from FCFA 569 to FCFA 650 and a litre of gasoil from FCFA 520 to FCFA 600, both transporters and commuters have not been at ease. Though accompanying measures to bridge the fuel increase gap like the reduction in some taxes and salary increase has been carried out, both parties are still not satisfied.

The recent increase in taxi fare by FCFA 50 has left bike riders to wonder aloud on their fate. "We are still concerting on the increase in bike fare. It is difficult to tell how much a drop cost since we base our calculation on the distance. It is certain that sooner or later, the distance we now accept for FCFA 100, will be charged at FCFA 200 since we use fuel as well," Pierre Ndem, a bike rider disclosed.

Some bike riders in the economic capital have slightly increased fare especially during rush hours which leaves the commuter with two choices- to shorten the distance by trekking in order to pay the normal tariff, or comply with the bike rider's fare. Since the news on fuel increase was announced, various transport syndicates have been deliberating on the matter. A day after the readjustment in the prices of some petroleum products, the Association of Bike Riders in Cameroon, met in Douala and unanimously agreed not to be used by political enemies to create chaos in the country.

Still in Douala, the Minister of Transport, Robert Nkili held talks with transporters on the fuel issue and on July 10 in Yaounde, the Minister of Labour and Social Security, Gregoire Owona dialogued with 14 representatives of National Transport Unions who accepted to called off the previewed 14 July national strike action.