A standoff between InterCity bus operators and the government has left hundreds of passengers stranded as buses have ceased operations, protesting the suspension of Juldan Motorways’ Road Service Licence by the Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA).
The RTSA suspended Juldan Motorways’ licence for three months due to non-compliance with GPS installation requirements and violating the ban on night driving, which contributed to the Kafue accident on October 15, 2024.
The accident resulted in four fatalities and 29 injuries.
Bus operators are demanding fair treatment from RTSA, citing unfair suspension.
“The strike is against the unfair treatment of Juldan Motors, Road Force, and other bus operators,” a source revealed. “Even minor accidents without fatalities or driver error lead to licence suspension. Three operators have already been affected”.
A visit to InterCity bus terminals in Lusaka, Kasama, and Chipata found buses scheduled to depart at 05:00hrs still parked, awaiting government intervention. Passengers are bearing the brunt of the strike, left stranded and seeking alternative transportation.
Kalemba November 21, 2024
