Monrovia — The Chairman of the House Standing Committee on Transportation has called on the Liberian government to help regulate the transportation fares in the country.

Montserrado County Representative Edmond T. Barclay said government must intervene in what he referred to as "driver's extortion of passengers".

Rep. Barclay also called on the Ministries of Transport and Commerce to collaborate efforts in arriving at reasonable transportation fares for areas in Monrovia and its environs in order to bring relief to the ordinary citizens in these difficult times.

He said the delay to urgently regulate transportation fares would be at the disadvantage of the masses and could further exacerbate the already high cost of living in the country.

Mr. Barclay spoke Thursday at a press briefing held at the Capitol Building. He expressed dismay over the manner in which drivers are demanding high transportation fares from passengers with reason that price of gasoline has increased on the local market.

The Lawmaker extolled the role of the Liberian National Police (LNP) for enforcing the driver's safety rule, which prohibits more than one passenger from riding in the front seat of any vehicle.

Rep. Barclay said the police action which restricts drivers to a single passenger in the front seat of a taxi and compelling them to use the seat-belt is in line with international standard.