Transporters, govt collide over fares

The Depart of Road Transport and Safety (DRTS) announced the fare cuts but the move has angered the BRTS, which has since written to the minister.

BRTS president Mbako Mahube told a news conference in Gaborone yesterday that the ministry did not consult them and as such 'we totally reject the recent public passenger fare review'.

Mahube accused the ministry of using fare review to create a split in the transport industry. 'The current fare reviews should have taken into consideration the fact that only bus fares were increased in July, leaving out Taxi/combi fares, hence it does not make sense for combi/taxi fares to be reduced at the same time as bus fares,' Mahube said.

He added that during that period (July), combi and taxi associations had been complaining. 'We believe that the ministry, like any other institution, should consider such matters with caution to avoid discontent in the sector,' Mahube said.

Mahube further accused the government of dragging its feet when approached on fare increases but taking spontaneous action when reducing such fares. He charged that it was common practice that when asked for an increase in fares the ministry would take their time, demanding proof to justify the need for a hike. 'But in the event of a reduction they act swiftly, without consulting anyone,' Mahube said.

BRST has threatened that if the government pushes forward with the implementation of the new fares, they will have no choice but to use the fares stipulated in the Government Gazette.

Acting secretary Daniel Maoto said they will not be selective in implementing fares as gazetted. 'Passengers are the one who are going to feel the pinch as the government stipulates that we charge P17.33 per km on tarred road and P19.30 per km on sandy or gravel road, instead of P17.33 thebe per km and P19.30 thebe km respectively.

'As such we are calling on the government to bring all stakeholders together and map out the way forward,' Maoto said.