Taxi fares set to rise ?

Commuter transport operators have begun agitating for an increase in fares, complaining that since the last increase in 2000 fuel and other incidental costs have increased more than two-fold.

A steering community of five from different taxi and bus associations has been set up to review what percentage increase should be introduced, said chairperson of the Mabalane Taxi Association, Mr. Mokete Jonase, adding that an announcement to this effect would be made not later than April. 

"Since the last fare increases in 2000, petrol prices increased more than twice, vehicles as well as their
parts have become more expensive and tax (value added tax) increased from 10 to 14 percent. This means we have been suffering losses for a long time, " the Mabalane chair said.

He said however that the review committee would also have to meet with and discuss the new fare increases with the Department of Traffic before they could become official.

The committee consists of members from Mabalane, Mafube Taxi Association, Central Taxi Association, Sehlabeng/ Sefika/ Mosenekeng Taxi Association as well as the Lesotho Bus and Mini Bus Operators Association. Other associations at district level will also be involved, Mr. Jonase said.

Traffic Commissioner, Mr. Tlali Khasu, has said that the Department of Traffic is not aware of the proposed increase of public transport fares.

13 February 2004