GOVERNMENT has cautioned bus operators to either implement the new bus fare reduction or have their Road Service Licences (RSL) revoked or suspended for violating the terms and conditions under which their licences was granted.
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And Government has called for members of the public to report any bus operators who would not adhere to the revised fares which were announced by the Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) following a transport sector stakeholders consultation meeting.
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According to the stakeholders meeting held on August 2, 2022 after the Energy Regulation Board (ERB) announced the reduction in fuel pump prices, RTSA engaged Commuters Right Association of Zambia (CRAZ), Zambia Consumer Association (ZACA), Public Passenger Transport Drivers Association of Zambia (PPTDAZ) and the Bus and Taxi Owners Association of Zambia (BTOAZ) on reduction of fares.
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However, after RTSA announced the drop in bus fares by 14 percent for Intercity routes, K5 for Copperbelt and Lusaka local and other towns, and K7 for Copperbelt and Lusaka inter-mine/peri-urban routes BTOAZ rejected them stating that they were excessive.
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Ministry of Transport and Logistics Permanent Secretary Fredrick Mwalusaka noted in a statement released yesterday that RTSA was mandated to intervene in transport regulation in order to safeguard the time interest of the public.
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“Section 108 of the Road Traffic Act. No. 11 of 2002 provides that, a bus operator should seek approval from RTSA for any variation in bus fares,” Mwalusaka disclosed.
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Mwalusaka said from the foregoing, RTSA is directed to enforce provisions of the Road Traffic Act to bring sanity in operations transport system in the Country.
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He stated that RTSA’s intervention should not be taken as total abolishment of all forms of regulation and control.
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But a way to enable the harnessing of a competitive and effective business environment that protects the interest of the public while safeguarding the operations of the public transport sector.
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“In this regard, Government has a duty to put in place control measures in the passenger public transport system,” Mwalusaka added.
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The permanent secretary has since urged Zambians to report bus operators violating the provisions of the law to RTSA through the hotline 0955 983983 or 0965 429499 on WhatsApp for action.
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By Moses Makwaya
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