TAXI fares are expected to increase in a few weeks’ time as the taxi operators work on a proposal to be presented to the transport board ahead of the annual national budget speech to be tabled in parliament soon.

The Maseru Region Taxi Operators (MRTO) said they were going to make a proposal for the increase in line with the hike in the price of fuel and other operational costs associated with the running of the taxi business.

MRTO spokesperson, Lebohang Moea told the media that regional taxi bodies agreed to submit their proposal to the board so that the revision of new prices could be implemented on time unlike in the past years.

He the initial proposal from last year was M18 for a local ride but due to a sluggish economy the operators had compromised and agreed on the current M9.

“This time we are still going to propose the M18 but if the board declines, we will bargain for a price that is fair to both taxi operators and the commuters,” Mr Moea said.

“Our business is to serve commuters by ensuring that public transport is available at all times. We can only compromise if it adds value to the welfare of commuters as they are our priority.”

Mr Moea said the taxi bodies were yet to meet the unions on the proposed fares as transport costs made a significant share of the workers’ salaries.

“Workers need living wages to cover their transport expenses,” he said. “Government should prioritise workers’ salaries in the upcoming budget for the betterment of their lives. Good salaries mean effective and efficient service delivery.”