Commuters refuse to pay increased taxi fee

OGONE TLHAGE

WINDHOEK



Commuters are refusing to pay the recently introduced 15% taxi hike.

This is according to Namibia Transport and Taxi Union (NTTU) president, Werner Januarie.

The NTTU, the Namibia Public Passenger Transport Association and Bridge Cross requested for fare hikes of 10%, 12% and 33% respectively.

Due to new regulations, transport operators are only allowed to ferry half the number of passengers their vehicles allow in hopes of curbing the spread of the deadly coronavirus.



'Explosive events'

Government recently endorsed the 15% fare hike, but Januarie said commuters have refused to pay the extra N$1.80 per taxi trip.

Up until the price hike, taxi fare was N$12.

Januarie said the refusal by commuters to pay the price hike could result in “explosive events”.

“I am receiving reports from taxi drivers that their customers are refusing to pay the adjusted amount. I implore the ministry to intervene before explosive events start occurring.”

Januarie further urged commuters to comply and pay the new amount.



Include us in stimulus package

He also demanded that taxi drivers benefit from the N$8.1 million stimulus package recently rolled out by government.

The package is meant to cover those who have suffered financial losses due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“Taxi drivers should be compensated for their service during this difficult time,” he said.

Januarie added that decisions around the pandemic were taken without the input of taxi drivers, who are now affected.

“They should be treated as all other essential service workers who have received their full, normal or usual salaries,” he said.