RTSA warns Lusaka bus operators 05.02.10
By TEDDY KUYELATHE Road Traffic and Safety Agency (RTSA) has warned that it will revoke operating licences for bus operators who hike bus fares in Lusaka without authority from Government.
RTSA director general Frederick Mwalusaka said the agency is disappointed that some bus operators are planning to increase bus fares without following the laid down procedures under the Road Traffic and Safety Act.
Mr Mwalusaka was reacting to reports that some bus operators in Lusaka have increased fares by K500 on the Chilanga and Lilayi routes.
He said in an interview in Lusaka on Tuesday that the agency will not condone bus operators abrogating the traffic regulations.
Mr Mwalusaka said the agency will instead revoke operating licences of offenders to compel bus operators to start abiding by the traffic regulations.
“The Agency is disappointed to hear that there are some bus operators who have increased fares by K500 without approval from Government. This is an offence because they have not followed the traffic regulations.
“Last week on Friday, we held a meeting with Lusaka bus operators who requested for an upward adjustment in bus fares. So, the agency wrote to the Ministry of Transport and Communications so that it can either approve or disapprove the new fares.
But if they have gone ahead and increased the fares, then the agency will have no option but just to move in and revoke their (bus operators) licences,” he said.
Mr Mwalusaka said bus operators must not rush into increasing the fares because the agency is still waiting for the official response from Government.
“We are still waiting for the official response from Government and once that is done, we will communicate to all the bus operators. The agency is not stopping bus operators from increasing fares but what the agency is saying is that they should follow procedures so that we don’t disadvantage passengers,” he said.
[Zambia Daily Mail]
