By: yusufibrahimkamara@hopemediasl.com
Commuters travelling along the vital sea link between Freetown and Lungi will now pay higher transport costs following a fresh tariff adjustment announced by the Ministry of Transport and Aviation.
The revised fare structure, which came into force on Tuesday, reflects mounting operational pressures on ferry service providers amid sustained increases in fuel prices nationwide. Authorities disclosed that the adjustment was reached after consultations with operators, citing the latest fuel benchmark of NLe 35.00 per litre as a key factor influencing the decision.
Officials confirmed that the new pricing regime represents an average increase of 9.4 percent across most passenger and vehicle categories. Under the updated schedule, first-class passenger tickets now stand at NLe 59.2, up from NLe 54.2, while second-class fares have risen to NLe 32.1 from NLe 29.3. The changes are expected to impact daily travellers, business operators, and airport-bound passengers who depend heavily on the ferry corridor.
Vehicle owners are also affected by the adjustment. Charges for private cars have increased from NLe 196.1 to NLe 214.6, while vans and jeeps now attract a fee of NLe 258, compared to the previous NLe 235.8. Transport costs for larger passenger vehicles have similarly been revised. Coaches below 25 seats now pay NLe 271.7, while those accommodating between 25 and 40 passengers face a new rate of NLe 342.4. Larger coaches above 40 seats will be charged between NLe 442.9 and NLe 685, depending on capacity.
Bus operators, including those using TATA models, are now required to pay NLe 1,124.2, marking a notable increase from the previous NLe 1,027.6. Meanwhile, smaller transport categories such as motorbikes, bicycles, and tricycles have also seen moderate adjustments. Motorbike transport now costs NLe 60.6, bicycles NLe 32.9, and tricycles popularly known as kekeh NLe 175.2.
Despite the upward review, the Ministry maintained that certain concessions remain intact. Students travelling in uniform will continue to benefit from free ferry passage, a policy aimed at supporting access to education. Subsidised fares for government security personnel have also been marginally revised, moving from NLe 10.8 to NLe 11.8.
Authorities noted that tariffs for trucks, trailers, and heavy cargo remain subject to negotiation, depending on load size and operational requirements. The fare agreement received endorsement from senior ministry officials and ferry operators, including Deputy Minister Rex Bhonapha, who emphasised the need to balance service sustainability with public affordability.
The latest adjustment underscores broader economic pressures linked to rising fuel costs in Sierra Leone since the beginning of 2026. With the ferry route serving as a crucial gateway connecting the capital to the country’s main international airport and surrounding communities, stakeholders warn that sustained increases in operational expenses could continue to shape transport pricing in the months ahead.