Bus operators say bus price hike not sufficient

source: Standay Standard
by Kagiso Madibana
05.08.2008 8:39:12 A

Long distance commuters face another fare hike because bus operators are unhappy with the rate of increase granted recently.

The increase, which was introduced to the public by the Ministry of Transport on July 28th, stated that long distance buses traveling on bitumen roads will charge 18.58 thebe per kilometer while those traveling on sandy and gravel roads will now cost 20.55 thebe per kilometer effective immediately.

Long distance refers to any distance over 22 kilometers.
As it stands, the price hike is applicable to only those buses traveling 22 kilometers and more.

Tirafalo Mponang, the chairman of the Botswana Bus Association (BBA) said that although this increase is welcome and long overdue, it falls far too short of their expectations as an association.

“The initial agreement was that the new increases would put all buses at a state where the prices would be above 20 thebe per [continue reading]