Less than 12 hours before Christmas Day and ahead of New Year celebrations, transport fares across major routes in Enugu have surged by 45 to 50 percent.
Checks on Wednesday revealed that commuters were caught off guard as commercial transport operators increased fares, citing high passenger traffic in one direction and the cost of returning empty as reasons for the hike.
On the Old Park–Eke Obinagu route, fares that previously ranged between ₦400 and ₦500 now cost ₦700 to ₦800. Similarly, trips from Old Park to Abakpa, which normally cost between ₦400 and ₦500 depending on the time of day, have risen to ₦800.
Passengers traveling from Holy Ghost to Agbani Road have also been affected, with fares jumping from the usual ₦500 to ₦900. Intra-city bus fares have seen similar increases, with short-distance trips that formerly cost ₦150 now selling for ₦300, while others have risen from ₦200 to ₦400.
Commuters have expressed frustration over the sudden increase, noting that many were unprepared for the spike during the festive rush.
Several commercial drivers told the media that the fare increase was necessary to offset losses incurred when they return without passengers.
“One major issue is that passengers are moving mostly in one direction because of the festive period,” said a commercial bus driver at Old Park,” a driver said.
“If I carry passengers from Old Park to Emene at the old fare of ₦500, when I get to Emene, there will be no passengers to bring back. So I have to add almost 90 percent of the return cost to the fares of those going. That is why the fares are on the high side.”
Another driver added that the festive rush has made it difficult to operate normally.
“This period is different. Everybody is traveling to their villages. If we don’t adjust the fare, we will run at a loss,” he said.
However, commuters have expressed displeasure over what they described as an unexpected and exploitative increase.
“I was shocked this morning when I was asked to pay ₦800 for a route I usually pay ₦500 fare for,” said a passenger, Mrs. Chinenye Okafor. “Fuel price has reduced compared to some months ago, so fares should also come down, not go up.”
Another commuter, Mr. Ifeanyi Nwankwo, accused transporters of taking advantage of the festive season.
“Every Christmas, it’s the same thing. They increase fares without notice. Many of us are struggling already, and this is adding more pressure,” he said.
Some passengers called on relevant transport unions and government authorities to intervene and regulate fares during the festive period to prevent what they described as arbitrary increases.
Efforts to speak with the leadership of transport unions were unsuccessful as both National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) have not responded to inquiries on the fare hike.
Meanwhile, commuters continue to bear the burden as Christmas and New Year celebrations draw closer.
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