By Ruth NWORIE
Passengers returning to Port Harcourt from Ebonyi State after the Christmas and New Year festivities have expressed frustration over what they describe as a sudden and steep increase in transportation fares.
Many travellers at motor parks complained that transport fares have risen sharply compared to what they paid before the festive season, placing additional financial strain on families returning to their bases with children.
A nursing mother, who identified herself only as Juliet Nwagu, said the hike has left her confused and angry.
“When I travelled earlier, I paid ₦12,500. Now they are collecting ₦18,000. That is too much for me,” she said.
Nwagu recalled a similar experience in 2025 that forced her to take a longer route through Port Harcourt–Enugu in an attempt to reduce costs, a decision she said ended up costing her more money and time.
“We wasted hours looking for passengers, and I still paid more in the end. I don’t understand why transport companies behave this way during festive periods,” she added.
Another passenger, Emeka, said he opted for a direct trip from Ebonyi to Port Harcourt to avoid additional expenses associated with alternative routes.
“Even if they keep increasing the fare, we will complain and still pay because we must return to work and our responsibilities,” he said. “But it is not funny.”
Some passengers questioned the justification for the fare hike, noting that fuel pump prices have not increased during the period.
“If fuel price did not go up, what exactly is the reason for this transport increase?” a female passenger asked.
Beyond transport fares, travellers also decried what they described as excessive charges by loaders at motor parks.
One passenger alleged that loaders demand extra fees for luggage after tickets have already been paid for.
“I was charged ₦15,000 for a student mattress, a bag of rice, and my box of clothes,” the passenger said. “Is that fair? If I pay all that, what will I use to feed in the new year?”
The passenger added that complaints are often ignored, as loaders move on to other customers without explanation. Other travellers laughed in agreement, describing the loaders as “strong-willed” and unyielding.
When asked how much she eventually paid, the passenger said the fee was reduced to ₦8,000, a figure fellow passengers still described as excessive.
Some travellers also alleged that drivers benefit from the extra charges imposed by loaders, claiming this discourages drivers from intervening on behalf of passengers.
“The drivers don’t even talk because they share whatever the loaders collect,” one passenger alleged.
Passengers called on transport company owners and park authorities to regulate fares and monitor the activities of loaders to prevent exploitation, especially during festive periods when travel demand is high.
