MASERU - Transport operators and Ministry of Transport have finally agreed to increase the transport fares but the actual figures so far remain confidential. The agreement through the transport board has been welcomed as a solution over a long dispute about transport fare increase. The operators had even threatened to take to the streets if their grievances were not addressed. Maseru Regional Transport Operators (MRTO) Spokesperson, Mr. Lebohang Moea said the board, transport association, and Minister of Transport had a meeting on Monday where they agreed to have the fares increased although he could not immediately disclose the amount as he said the matter had not yet reached finality. He said the new fares were to be announced this week, but there were some constraints which forced the board to go back to the table and look at some details of the matter expected to be discussed again on Monday by the concerned parties. It is only then that the announcement will be made. Mr. Moea emphasised that on June 1 the taxi fares will still be the same contrary to what the taxi associations had announced that new fares will come to effect on Friday (June 1). He also said the negotiations were done in good faith and as transport operators they believe and hope that the same attitude prevails between the two parties in future. The Ministry's Information Officer, Ms. Lemohang Lekhoba also declined to disclose the details of the meeting, saying “let’s wait for the finalisation of the matter”. The transport operators had proposed an increase from M6.50 to M15.00 for local trips, but the proposal was met with a lot of resistance from the public and the operators also accused the board and the Acting Commissioner of avoiding to deal with the matter head on, instead they were playing hide and seek for years. It was this view that made transport operators to consider three options to express their concerns - taking legal action, taking to the streets by a manner of a demonstration, and a stay-away where they would take their vehicles off the roads until the department came up with an amicable solution. Lena