Commercial tricycle riders, the unsung heroes of local transportation, find themselves caught in the harsh grip of the rising cost of living, exacerbated by the recent surge in Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) prices. As they navigate the bustling streets, their faces reflect the struggle that comes with fuel hikes, as each gallon adds an extra burden to their already challenging livelihoods.
Tricycles, commonly known as “keke” or “keke Napep,” play a vital role in Plateau State’s economy and transportation system, serving as a lifeline for thousands of residents.
These three-wheeled vehicles have emerged as ubiquitous mode of transportation, particularly in urban and semi-urban areas, providing essential services and contributing to job creation, poverty alleviation, and improved mobility.
In the heart of the city of Jos, tricycle parks serve as a gathering place for these riders to share their woes. Conversations echo the sentiment of frustration and despair, as they lament the toll the high cost of fuel takes on their meager earnings. For many, tricycles are not just a mode of transport but a means to sustain their families, making the fuel hike a direct hit on their daily bread.
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“I ride this keke to feed my family and pay my children school fees,” said Aminu, a tricycle rider.
The spiraling cost of living doesn’t end with fuel alone; maintenance expenses for tricycles have surged, forcing riders to dig deeper into their pockets. Torn between providing for their families and keeping their vehicles roadworthy, tricycle riders find themselves trapped in a financial mess desperately searching for a way out.
Despite their essential role in local commuting, tricycle riders often feel overlooked when economic challenges arise. They voice their concerns, wondering if their contributions to the community are truly acknowledged, especially when the rising cost of fuel threatens to push them out of business.
The Chairman Plateau State Tricycle Riders Association, Jos Chapter and the state chief Taskforce officer Dahiru Hassan, told BusinessDay that the continuous increase in the price of petrol has made it extremely difficult for his members to sustain operations.
“With each hike, our expenses rise, but we cannot increase our fares proportionally, as it would drive away customers.
“The high cost of petrol not only eats into our profits but also affects our ability to provide for our families. Many of my members have parked their keke while some are considering leaving the business altogether because it’s becoming unsustainable. For instance, a brandnew tricycle is sold at N2.4 million while on higher purchase is N3.5million. The balance for a day is N3000 to N3,500 as the case maybe. You will buy fuel N830 per liter, N9,000 per day and still struggle to get the balance. Members who get their keke on higher purchase are now finding it difficult to remit because they can’t cope,” the chairman lamented.
The domino effect of the high cost of fuel is felt not only by the riders but also by the passengers who rely on tricycles for their daily commute. As fares increase to compensate for the escalating fuel prices, it’s the everyday citizens who bear the brunt, finding it harder to make ends meet in an already strained economy.
“Iam surprise that from hill station to Bukuru is now 300,” expressed David, a passenger.
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Government interventions are eagerly awaited by tricycle riders who hope for subsidies or policies to alleviate their financial burden. They also plead for a lifeline in the form of economic relief.
The plight of tricycle riders also sheds light on the broader economic challenges faced by the nation. Their struggles mirror the anxieties of many citizens grappling with the consequences of inflation, unemployment, and a general rise in the cost of living. It serves as a stark reminder that the impact of economic decisions reaches far beyond office walls and government chambers.
The social fabric of communities is woven with the threads of interactions between tricycle riders and passengers. As the cost-of-living soars, these threads begin to unravel, putting additional strain on the already fragile relationships between neighbors and friends. The tricycle park, once a bustling hub of camaraderie, becomes a somber space were shared hardships bond riders in solidarity.
Behind each tricycle rider is a human story, one that speaks of aspirations, struggles, and dreams. The high cost of living, coupled with the fuel hike, threatens to rewrite these narratives, pushing tricycle riders into a corner where survival becomes the primary focus, overshadowing the pursuit of dreams and ambitions.
With limited formal employment opportunities in Plateau State, the proliferation of commercial tricycles has provided a source of livelihood for many individuals, particularly young people and those from marginalised communities. By operating keke units, individuals can earn a steady income, supporting themselves and their families while contributing to the local economy.
Moreover, commercial tricycles play a crucial role in tackling poverty by providing affordable transportation options for residents, especially those with limited financial means. Compared to traditional taxis or private cars, kekes offer lower fares, making them accessible to a wide range of commuters, including students, low-income earners, and the elderly. This affordability ensures that individuals can access essential services, employment opportunities, and educational institutions without facing significant financial burdens.
In addition to their economic impact, commercial tricycles contribute to easing transportation challenges in Plateau State. Keke operators fill gaps in the transportation network, providing last-mile connectivity and serving routes that are underserved by larger vehicles. Their flexibility and maneuverability allow them to navigate narrow streets and congested areas, ensuring that commuters can reach their destinations efficiently and reliably.
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Furthermore, commercial tricycles support local businesses and stimulate economic activity by facilitating the movement of goods and people within and between communities. From transporting goods to marketplaces to ferrying passengers to commercial hubs, keke operators play a crucial role in facilitating trade and commerce, driving economic growth, and fostering entrepreneurship.
In light of their multifaceted contributions to Plateau State’s economy and transportation system, commercial tricycles hold immense significance for residents, policymakers, and stakeholders alike. Recognising the pivotal role of keke operators, efforts to support and regulate the sector should be prioritised, ensuring that their contributions are maximised while addressing concerns related to safety, regulation, and sustainability. By harnessing the potential of commercial tricycles, Plateau State can continue to promote economic empowerment, alleviate poverty, and enhance mobility for its residents.
The journey home is not just a physical one but a metaphorical trek through the challenges of an unforgiving economic landscape. Each drop of fuel burned represents a sacrifice, a reminder of the uphill battle they face to provide for their families.
In the midst of adversity, tricycle riders exhibit resilience that inspires admiration. Yet, beneath the surface, a sense of frustration and disillusionment simmers, questioning why the burden falls disproportionately on those who form the backbone of local transportation.
The tricycle riders’ lament resonates beyond the immediate struggle, transcending economic discourse to become a poignant reflection of societal priorities. It beckons a reevaluation of policies and a collective effort to ensure that the backbone of local transportation doesn’t buckle under the weight of economic challenges.
Ultimately, the story of tricycle riders facing the high cost of living amidst fuel hikes is a microcosm of the larger narrative unfolding in communities worldwide. It’s a call to action, urging society to recognise the intricate web of connections that bind us all and to strive for solutions that alleviate the burdens borne by those who often go unnoticed in the tapestry of everyday life.
