Maravi

Lusaka bus operators hike fares

Lusaka bus operators hike fares
By Sandra Mulowa
Tue 02 Feb. 2010, 04:00 CAT

SOME bus operators in Lusaka have increased fares by K500 on selected routes.
And Lusaka Bus Operators Zone committee chairman Ismail Khankhara said a meeting held by Lusaka bus operators last Friday resolved to hike bus fares.

One of the drivers, James Banda, said it was inevitable for them to increase the fares following the recent increase in petroleum prices.

"How can we manage the buses and cashing if we are running at a loss?" Banda asked. “It’s just fair that we increase the bus fares. We are not getting anything at the end of the day. We are basically taking people for free if we don't increase the fares.”

Among the affected routes is the Chilanga/Lilayi route where fares have been pegged at K4,000 from k3,500.
Khankhara said bus operators had resolved to increase bus fares but there was one outstanding issue.

“We had a meeting last Friday and resolved to increase the fares but we are just waiting for one issue," Khankhara said.

And committee member Goodson Ngwenyama said he would issue a statement on the increment of bus fares later yesterday.

And the Lusaka City Council (LCC) has dissolved Kulima bus station committee with immediate effect for allegedly failing to help with the management of the station.
LCC public relations manager Chanda Makanta confirmed the development.
“We are having a meeting with the technical committee this afternoon at the station then I can give you details," said Makanta.

Labels: BUSES, FUEL, INFLATION

posted by MrK @ 11:14 AM