The Association of Promoters of Interurban Transport Agencies of Cameroon (APITAC) has increased the prices of transport fares between certain towns.
Most of these agencies are located in the country’s North West and South West regions.
According to the travel agencies, the transport fares are being increased due to the two recent increases in fuel prices that occurred, respectively, in 2023 and 2024, and the social sacrifices they have been making so far to give passengers the best services they can.
“We wish, under the prevailing conditions, to inform you that as of the 5th,” a document announcing the fare rise said.
In March 2024, the minimum fares for the interurban transportation of passengers in the classic buses will stand as follows: Yaoundé-Bamenda or Bamenda-Yaoundé: 6500 FCFA;
Douala-Bamenda or Bamenda-Douala: 6500 FCFA; Bamenda-Buea or Buea-Bamenda: 7500 FCFA; Bamenda-Limbe or Limbe-Bamenda: 7500 FCFA; Bamenda-Kumba of Kumba-Bamenda: 8500 FCFA.
An angry Cameroonian reached out to MMI and expressed his frustration. He said, “This is exploitative. Consider this basic calculation 70 seater bus leaving Bamenda to Limbe Previous fair = 5000.
Present fair = 7700
Increase in fair = 2700
Total: 70 x 2700= 189000
Previous Gasoline: 720/litter Present Gasoline: 830/litter
Increase in Gasoline: 110 frs
Extra amount for gas= 150 x 110 = 16000frs
“Conclusion. The transport company collects an additional fair of 189000 and spends only 16000 as additional payment for gas, making an additional profit of 173000 frs. This is exploitative,” he concluded, urging authorities to reverse the decision.
The move to increase transportation costs comes after the Minister of Commerce also increased the transport fares for commercial taxes in towns.
The minister had increased the fare from 300 to 350 FCFA during the day and from 350 to 400 FCFA at night.
All these are because of the increase in the price of fuel.
However, the government, in an attempt to reduce the burden on citizens, equally increased the minimum wage from 41,000 to 43000 FCFA.
