Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – Despite the General Transport Union (GTU)’s efforts to address public concerns, commuters across The Gambia have expressed deep frustration over what they call “daylight extortion” by commercial transport drivers who significantly increase fares during festive periods. During the recent Eid Al-Adha celebrations, passengers reported fare hikes of two to three times the usual rate, with drivers exploiting the surge in movement between urban and rural areas.

The GTU, in a statement acknowledging the illegal fare increases, blamed the practice on systemic challenges in the sector, including the absence of a comprehensive regulatory framework and outdated tariffs. However, passengers argue that these explanations do little to ease the burden of exploitative fares, which have become a predictable feature of festive seasons.

Drivers Cash In on Demand, Extort Commuters

Public transportation in The Gambia, already struggling with poor infrastructure and limited oversight, faces an annual surge in demand during religious and cultural festivities. Commuters traveling to rural regions to spend time with family during Eid, Ramadan, or other major events often find themselves at the mercy of drivers who exploit the situation.

“I paid over D2000 for a journey that usually costs less than D1000,” said Musa Jallow, a commuter traveling from Serrekunda to Basse. “The government says it’s illegal, but every year it happens, and nothing changes. It feels like they just watch as we are exploited.”

Many commuters echoed similar sentiments, with some calling for stronger action against the drivers and the garages that facilitate the practice.

In its press release, the GTU recognized the problem but pointed to a “legal vacuum” as a major obstacle. They cited the lack of designated garages — with only one officially recognized garage in Brikama since independence — and an outdated Motor Traffic Act from 1948 that does not account for current operational costs or inflation.

The union also referenced its efforts to collaborate with the government on policies like the National Transport Policy (2018–2027) and the National Road Safety Strategy (2020–2030). But for many passengers, these initiatives offer little comfort in the face of real-time price gouging.

“It’s a yearly ordeal. The GTU issues statements, but there’s no enforcement,” said Fatou Camara, a commuter traveling to Farafenni. “They can talk about plans all they want, but until we see action — fines, licenses revoked, real accountability — it feels like empty promises.”

Systemic Challenges vs. Immediate Realities

While drivers justify fare hikes as a response to rising fuel prices and inflation, the unregulated and arbitrary nature of these increases leaves commuters unprotected. Economists warn that such practices contribute to inflationary pressures in rural areas, where increased transport costs ripple through to basic goods and services.

The GTU’s promise to continue discussions with drivers and stakeholders is welcome, but many argue that these discussions must translate into immediate action to protect the traveling public. Without updated regulations or decisive government interventions, festive periods will remain a lucrative opportunity for unscrupulous drivers.

As the GTU works with the Ministry of Transport to review transport laws and create new frameworks, commuters are left wondering how many more festive seasons will pass before they see real change. Until then, they brace themselves for yet another round of fare hikes, hoping that next year’s promises will finally translate into real protection.