Weeks after the fuel price hike from NLe 25.00 to NLe 28.50 per litre, the Ministry of Transport and Aviation, in collaboration with the Motor Drivers Union and other transport stakeholders, has announced new public transport fares across Freetown and provincial routes.
The adjustments, effective Thursday, 29 January 2026, affect both SLRTC buses and private operators, including routes within the Freetown municipality, provincial towns, and across-border destinations.
Significant Increase for Waka Rides
The fare for Waka rides, a popular form of motorized tricycle transport, has jumped from NLe 8.00 to NLe 12.00 per trip within Freetown. The Ministry emphasized that all operators must comply with the new rates, warning that any deviation will be met with enforcement under Sierra Leonean law.
Other notable fare adjustments in the Freetown municipality include:
- Lumley – Regent Road: NLe 4 → NLe 5
- Waterloo – Bombay Street: NLe 9 → NLe 12
- Lumley – Borbor: NLe 7 → NLe 9
For provincial and across-border routes, fares have also risen proportionately. For example:
- Freetown – Kailahun: NLe 230 → NLe 250
- Freetown – Kono: NLe 170 → NLe 190
- Freetown – Kenema: NLe 130 → NLe 150
The Ministry reminded the public and transport operators that the fare increases were calculated in response to the rise in fuel costs and are meant to ensure the sustainability of public transport services.
