Taxi, bus fares to increase by 15%

THE transport ministry has endorsed a taxi and bus fare increase of 15% as the Covid-19 pandemic affects the income of public transport operators.

The public transport sector, represented by the Namibia Bus and Taxi Association, the Namibia Public Passenger Transport Association and Bridge Cross, requested fare increases of 10%, 12% and 33% respectively. This is to make up for the fact that the operators can only fill buses and taxis up to 50% of their capacity, in terms of the Covid-19 state of emergency regulations.

In a statement today, the chairperson of the Road and Transportation Board (RTBN), Browny Mutrifa, said the price increase would be temporary until the public transport situation “normalises”.

“The increase is temporary and will cease with the state of emergency or until full capacity loading is permitted. All bus and taxi operators must adhere to all health measures and guidelines as adopted by the World Health Organisation and the Ministry of Health and Social Services, plus any other applicable measures, as developed from time to time in response to the Covid-19 pandemic,” he said.

Mutrifa said the idea is to cushion bus and taxi operators against financial losses which can negatively affect the provision of public transport to citizens, residents and visitors to Namibia.

– charmaine@namibian.com.na