INTERCITY Bus Terminus operators have resumed services after a day-long strike in solidarity with Juldan Motorways, whose operating license was suspended by the Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA).
The strike, which left many commuters stranded followed RTSA’s decision to suspend Juldan Motorway’ s license for three months over non-compliance with GPS installation requirements and repeated violations of the night driving ban.
These issues were linked to the fatal Kafue road accident on October 15, 2024, which claimed four lives and left several others critically injured.
Following the disruptions, the Ministry of Transport and Logistics engaged the Bus and Taxi Owners Association of Zambia and resolved to restore normal operations at the terminus.
Transport and Logistics minister Frank Tayali criticised the strike noting that Juldan Motorways had agreed to cooperate with the government and address compliance concerns.
“It’s not a permanent suspension, it’s a suspension to engage with the operator to ensure that wherever there are lapses, those can be remedied. Once that compliance list is fulfilled, we will lift the suspension. This is not peculiar to Juldan; it has happened to other operators who also received similar suspensions, complied, and had their suspensions lifted,” said Tayali.
The minister stated that Juldan had been making progress in discussions with RTSA and urged operators to avoid disrupting services unnecessarily.
“Juldan has been cooperating with RTSA, making headway to meet the compliance requirements and resume operations. It’s not fair that the bus operators ceased operations without presenting their grievances to my office,” he said.
He also cautioned bus operators against being influenced by individuals or groups with ulterior motives.
By Catherine Pule
Kalemba, November 22, 2024
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