Commuters fear huge taxi fare hike
Social media rumours of an imminent 40% increase in taxi fares have not been confirmed.
According to a statement by the Namibian Bus and Taxi Association (Nabta), it has not yet been informed by the government of any fare increase.
"Nabta, which is the representative of the public transport sector, has not yet been informed by the government about the bus and taxi fare increase of 40% as was alluded to by certain unions within the transport sector,” it said.
The last fare increase was announced in November 2021, the statement read.
Nabta secretary-general Pendapala Nakathingo added that there is no way that the association can increase fares without first exhausting all other options.
"Looking at all the negative effects that the taxi fare increase might have on the general public if we go ahead and implement that, it would greatly affect the livelihood of the people," he said.
Contingency
Nabta said it would inform the public once the line ministry approved a proposed increase.
"Members of the public should not panic over the illegal announcement made by unauthorised unions and we call upon all bus and taxi operators to remain calm while we engage with the government to see what percentage increase they will give us, since the transport sector is being severely affected [by recent fuel price hikes]," the statement read.
The price of petrol went up by N$1.95 yesterday, and that of diesel by N$2.95. Petrol now costs N$19.10 per litre and diesel N$20.23 per litre.
Nakathingo said public transport workers will feel the pinch, and therefore the association plans on starting a “joint operation and cooperation with the appropriate stakeholders that might help protect both the public as well as the drivers.
"If we address the issue at hand wisely, we might not need to increase the prices. With that said, there is a plan in its drafting phase the association will submit to the various stakeholders, including our line ministry and the police, that will tackle illegal transport operations to create a gap for legal transport workers to be successful. We will communicate the proposal in due course," he said.
According to a statement by the Namibian Bus and Taxi Association (Nabta), it has not yet been informed by the government of any fare increase.
"Nabta, which is the representative of the public transport sector, has not yet been informed by the government about the bus and taxi fare increase of 40% as was alluded to by certain unions within the transport sector,” it said.
The last fare increase was announced in November 2021, the statement read.
Nabta secretary-general Pendapala Nakathingo added that there is no way that the association can increase fares without first exhausting all other options.
"Looking at all the negative effects that the taxi fare increase might have on the general public if we go ahead and implement that, it would greatly affect the livelihood of the people," he said.
Contingency
Nabta said it would inform the public once the line ministry approved a proposed increase.
"Members of the public should not panic over the illegal announcement made by unauthorised unions and we call upon all bus and taxi operators to remain calm while we engage with the government to see what percentage increase they will give us, since the transport sector is being severely affected [by recent fuel price hikes]," the statement read.
The price of petrol went up by N$1.95 yesterday, and that of diesel by N$2.95. Petrol now costs N$19.10 per litre and diesel N$20.23 per litre.
Nakathingo said public transport workers will feel the pinch, and therefore the association plans on starting a “joint operation and cooperation with the appropriate stakeholders that might help protect both the public as well as the drivers.
"If we address the issue at hand wisely, we might not need to increase the prices. With that said, there is a plan in its drafting phase the association will submit to the various stakeholders, including our line ministry and the police, that will tackle illegal transport operations to create a gap for legal transport workers to be successful. We will communicate the proposal in due course," he said.
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