The Government of Sierra Leone has approved new public transportation fares nationwide following the recent increase in fuel prices, the Ministry of Transport and Aviation has announced.
In a press release issued on Thursday, the Ministry said the decision follows the upward adjustment in the pump price of petrol and diesel from NLe 25.00 to NLe 28.50 per litre. The revised fares were agreed upon after consultations with the Motor Drivers Union and other key stakeholders in the transport sector.
The new fare structure applies to public transportation services operating within the Freetown municipality, as well as provincial and across-border routes, and took effect on Thursday, January 29, 2026.
Freetown Routes Affected
Within Freetown, fares have increased modestly across major routes. For example, transport fares on the Lumley–Regent Road and Aberdeen–Regent Road routes have risen from NLe 4 to NLe 5, while Waterloo–Bombay Street has increased from NLe 9 to NLe 12. Longer routes such as Waterloo–Tokeh now cost NLe 25, up from NLe 24.
Other routes affected include Lumley–BawBaw, Wilberforce–Jui, Grafton–Bombay Street, Wellington–Eastern Police, Regent–Bus Station, and Charlotte Street–Wilberforce, among others.
Provincial and Intercity Fare Adjustments
The revised fares also affect intercity travel across the provinces. Transport fares from Freetown to Kailahun have increased from NLe 230 to NLe 250, while Freetown–Kenema now costs NLe 150, up from NLe 130. Passengers travelling from Freetown to Bo, Makeni, Kambia, Port Loko, and Moyamba will also pay higher fares under the new structure.
In addition, district-level routes within provinces such as Kenema, Bo, and Makeni have been adjusted, with increases varying based on distance and vehicle type, including minibuses.
Okada and Kekeh Fares
The Ministry further announced that fares for okada (motorbike) and kekeh (tricycle) transport services from “pole to pole” have been increased from NLe 4 to NLe 5.
Warning Against Overcharging
The government has warned transport operators against charging fares beyond the approved rates. According to the statement, any deviation from the stipulated fares will be met with the full force of the laws of Sierra Leone.
The fare agreement document was signed by representatives of the Ministry of Transport and Aviation, the Sierra Leone Police Transport Authority (SLPTA), the Motor Drivers and General Transport Workers Union, the Bike Riders Union, the Sierra Leone Commercial Tricycle Union, the Passenger Welfare Association, the Poda Poda and Bus Owners Association, and the Metro Transport Company.
Officials say the new fare structure is aimed at balancing the impact of rising fuel costs while ensuring affordability for the commuting public.
See press release below:
