Public transport operators complain that playing by the book has subjected them to losing out on business to the pirates and the authorities seem to be tolerating anarchy in the public roads. Speaking at a press conference in Maseru on February 21, the Maseru Regional Taxi Association said “time is also overdue for annual increment of taxi fares, since there was no increase effected last year.”
business
Feb. 21, 2020
3 min read
Public transport operators opt for ‘lawlessness’
Mokete Jonase, MRTO chairman in the middle
"Set to adopt ‘if you cannot beat them, join them’ policy"
During the media briefing MRTO Secretary, Bataung Thulo said operators were advocating for fare increase and at the same time trying to persuade relevant government authorities to get rid of pirating taxis which disrupt “our daily operations and stealing from those who pay tax. Since we cannot do anything about it, perhaps it is better we emulate them and operate the same way they operate.”
Transport operators pointed out to their long time grievances to the government as well as the orderly way of carrying out business. He added that another problem is that of setting taxi fares as the government had previously denied them power to suggest and put in place fares. During the same meeting MRTO Chairperson, Mokete Jonase added that they have written a letter to board of transport requesting increment rates that will commence on April 1, 2020.
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He added that unlike in the previous years, this year they decided not to give out figures, adding that the board previously complained that they are the ones who are granted legitimacy to set and announce rates charges. Mr. Jonase further indicated that the problem they are facing is that of unregistered vehicles that use illegal ranks in open areas of the Maseru town as well as other towns countrywide.
“We took initiative of addressing our grievances to various stakeholders that include Department of Traffic, Ministry of Police, Ministry of Law, Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Local Government through Maseru City Council (MCC) as they are the ones responsible in the running of public transport,” Mr. Jonase said.
He added that as these stakeholders are responsible for transport, they used to work together with their association in eliminating problems caused by unregistered vehicles but however, as take holders drop out of these operations, it becomes difficult for them to carry on alone. He further stated that their business suffered due to unregistered ranks, adding that it is not easy to take action against them as most of the vehicles belong to some members of the armed forces.
Mr. Jonase said that they have decided to embark on an official strike on March 3, pointing out that all public transport will use the unregistered ranks in order to curb illegal ranks and unregistered vehicles operating in towns.
“We are aware that police will be assigned to stop our operation, however we already have alternative plan of preventing every taxi from offering transport to the public,” Mr. Jonase added.
Taxi fares increment last took place on the August 1, 2018 whereby commuters pay M 7.50 for minibuses and M8.00 for taxi cabs (4+1).
LeNA/Metro Reporter
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