20% taxi fare hike approved

The works ministry’s road transportation board has just announced its approval of a 20% hike in taxi and bus fares. The new fares are effective 1 September. The announcement follows months of demands by the Namibia Transport and Taxi Union (NTTU), which originally had demanded the 20% hike, to instead increase the fare by 50%.
This led to several stand-offs with the police including a strike in April leading to 40 taxis being impounded. NTTU chief, Werner Janaurie, in his claims for 50%, has repeatedly threatened to sue the government.
At this afternoon’s announcement, Januarie walked out.
The Namibia Bus and Taxi Association (Nabta) distanced itself from the 50% hike demand and aligned itself with the 20% increase.
This is the first fare increase since 2009 when fares were hiked from N$9 to N$10.

Ellanie Smit