Taxi fares pegged at a fixed rate

"Many times, clients have told me they have FCFA 200 to pay for their destination. But to avoid engaging in any arguement, I just tell them that the taxi fare has changed and it's been a year,” said Henry Gabsaga, a taxi driver in Yaoundé, who did understand why one year after the taxi fares had been increased in Cameroon, many users do not want to comply.

According to him, they sometimes give the excuse of having no money or pretend to forget the fare had been increased.

In some cases, Henry Gabsaga said he sometimes addressed customers on the fare by telling them: "You are in Cameroon and you do not know the rates charged for taxis. But you know what happens elsewhere in Europe.”

For Gideon Motta, also a taxi driver, he does not accept such excuses since "prices are stated in most vehicles. I have taken the trouble to print and laminate the rates for day and night on a card," he said.

According to him, users resort to tricks. "Students have a technique and they often stop the taxi while muttering. Once the driver stops, they slide two pieces of FCFA 100 without telling the driver. Entering a debate with them will be a waste of time. We are forced to leave.”

Moreover, Joseph Njoya, another taxi driver, said that customers have set their own rates for certain routes. "They have decided that from the Mokolo-Poste center to Ekounou-Mvog-Mbi, Acacia-Mokolo, Mvan-Mvog Mbi is FCFA100," said the taxi driver.

As regards to users, many argue that, everything is based on negotiation. "You can set the terms of the contract from the onset. If the taxi driver agreed to carry a customer for FCFA 100 or FCFA 150, it's always a gain for him," said Jan. D., a tailor.

But for many, it is a matter of having the means. "Each one pays according to his pocket," said Gisèle Meno, who was shopping. Some, on the other hand, do not hesitate to pay the price. Angeline N., a company executive, said: "I pay the price. I even pay more whether am in haste or not."

The Minister of Commerce issued a statement formalizing the taxi fare increase in Cameroon after consultation between the government and unions of urban and interurban transport sector On 9 July 2014.

The signed decree fixed the maximum rates of urban transport by taxis to FCFA 250 during the day and FCFA 300 at night. The document was "to take into account the legitimate interests and expectations of users and the belief that negotiations on the fares between the cab driver and his clients will encounter.”