Ghanaian Pragia Rider Reveals How He Makes Up to GH¢700 Daily Driving Tricycle

A tricycle operator identified as Prince has revealed that he can earn between GH¢600 and GH¢700 daily by operating a Pragia, offering a glimpse into the potential earnings and challenges of Ghana’s popular transport business.

Speaking during an interview with GH Page, Prince explained how the business operates, detailing the daily payments drivers make to owners and the factors influencing their earnings.

The operator, who is based in Mim in Ghana’s Ahafo Region, said drivers’ daily earnings can vary significantly depending on their arrangements with tricycle owners and the number of passengers they transport.

Prince disclosed that some drivers pay owners GH¢150 daily, while others negotiate lower amounts depending on individual agreements.

“Some people make a six of 150 Ghana Cedis. But with my own, the owner makes me do it for 120 Cedis,” he explained, highlighting the differences in operating costs.

According to Prince, the amount a driver remits to the owner directly affects how much money remains after a day’s work.

He also explained that passenger fares contribute to the business’s overall profitability, although the amounts charged may vary depending on the distance covered and where passengers want to alight.

Prince revealed that his standard fare is GH¢3, making the service accessible to residents who depend on tricycles for their daily transportation needs.

However, he noted that fares are not always fixed, as the location of a passenger’s destination can influence the final amount charged.

Despite the opportunity to make substantial daily earnings, Prince cautioned that the business is not consistently profitable, with some days proving more rewarding than others.

He explained that demand for Pragia services rises considerably during funerals, when large numbers of people travel to attend ceremonies and require convenient transportation.

Prince said funeral days are particularly important for drivers because increased passenger numbers create opportunities to complete more trips and collect higher revenues.

“The business is very lucrative. But sometimes too, it is not that lucrative. We mostly make money when there is a funeral in town. During that period, we always get busy,” he said.

His account highlights how local events can influence the fortunes of small-scale transport operators, particularly those whose earnings depend on daily passenger demand.

While earning GH¢600 or GH¢700 in a day may appear attractive, the amount should not automatically be treated as take-home profit. Drivers must consider owner payments and other operating expenses before determining their actual earnings.

Prince’s experience offers insight into the opportunities and uncertainties associated with operating a Pragia in Ghana, where daily income can depend heavily on passenger traffic, operating arrangements and community activities.

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