Mutorwa appeals for calm
The transport minister has assured the public that no final decision has been made on whether to raise taxi fares.
Transport minister John Mutorwa is appealing for calm amid the Namibia Transport and Taxi Union's (NTTU) insistence that it will increase taxi fares by 50% at the start of September with or without government approval.
In a statement yesterday, Mutorwa assured the public that no final decision has been made on whether to raise taxi fares by the requested 50% or 20%, as applied for by the Namibia Bus and Taxi Association (Nabta) or the 10% applied for by Namibia Public Passenger Transport Association (NPPTA).
He further directed all taxi operators and drivers to comply with the final decision by the road transportation board, which is still in the process of considering the applications for a fare increases.
Mutorwa warned that failure to comply with the road transportation regulations and the final decision by the transportation board will result in the withdrawal or suspension of taxi licences.
NTTU president Werner Januarie earlier this week threatened a countrywide strike by union members should any have their licenses revoked if they implement the 50% in September.
Mutorwa yesterday said that once a decision is reached by the road transportation board on the taxi fare increases, the public will be informed as well as the taxi industry.
“As far as this matter is concerned the process to determine any taxi fare increment, as per the requests, is currently in procession. Therefore, the taxi fares remain unchanged at this stage.”
Daylight robbery
Over the past week, the announcement by Januarie and the release of a pricelist led to widespread criticism.
Many commuters and taxi drivers are, however, supporting him, noting that the last fare increases took place four years ago and that taxi drivers are facing increasing costs that have lowered their monthly income.
In response to Januarie's comments, a taxi driver commented on Namibian Sun's social media pages this week that not even petrol prices have increased by 50%, adding he views the 50% hike as unfair and a form of “robbery” towards commuters.
“Why not raise the price by N$1 or N$2? The 50% is too much. When a customer gets into your taxi, he or she will automatically pay for one litre. Step by step is the only way.”
Another commuter warned that the poorest of the poor will be dealt the heaviest blow.
“People are already suffering and all they think of is a 50% increment; meaning a cleaner, gardener not to mention our brothers and sisters that work in shops, will be working just to their transport fees. Do they forget that politicians don't take taxis?”
Others called on the authorities to strengthen alternative public transport services, including buses and trains.
Commentators also noted that the steep increase could deepen strife between various taxi factions, as well as between commuters and taxi operators.
They further warned that should the increase not be approved by the transport board, tensions could rise between those implementing the higher rate, and those complying with the board's final decision.
Others simply accused the NTTU of “daylight robbery and looting”.
Januarie said this week that public transport service providers in other towns and locally have increased their fares, without the approval of the transport board and did not face a backlash.
He added the union has on many occasions dismissed the Road Transportation Act of 1977 as an outdated and unconstitutional colonial relic, and that the NTTU does not have to comply with its regulations.
JANA-MARI SMITH
In a statement yesterday, Mutorwa assured the public that no final decision has been made on whether to raise taxi fares by the requested 50% or 20%, as applied for by the Namibia Bus and Taxi Association (Nabta) or the 10% applied for by Namibia Public Passenger Transport Association (NPPTA).
He further directed all taxi operators and drivers to comply with the final decision by the road transportation board, which is still in the process of considering the applications for a fare increases.
Mutorwa warned that failure to comply with the road transportation regulations and the final decision by the transportation board will result in the withdrawal or suspension of taxi licences.
NTTU president Werner Januarie earlier this week threatened a countrywide strike by union members should any have their licenses revoked if they implement the 50% in September.
Mutorwa yesterday said that once a decision is reached by the road transportation board on the taxi fare increases, the public will be informed as well as the taxi industry.
“As far as this matter is concerned the process to determine any taxi fare increment, as per the requests, is currently in procession. Therefore, the taxi fares remain unchanged at this stage.”
Daylight robbery
Over the past week, the announcement by Januarie and the release of a pricelist led to widespread criticism.
Many commuters and taxi drivers are, however, supporting him, noting that the last fare increases took place four years ago and that taxi drivers are facing increasing costs that have lowered their monthly income.
In response to Januarie's comments, a taxi driver commented on Namibian Sun's social media pages this week that not even petrol prices have increased by 50%, adding he views the 50% hike as unfair and a form of “robbery” towards commuters.
“Why not raise the price by N$1 or N$2? The 50% is too much. When a customer gets into your taxi, he or she will automatically pay for one litre. Step by step is the only way.”
Another commuter warned that the poorest of the poor will be dealt the heaviest blow.
“People are already suffering and all they think of is a 50% increment; meaning a cleaner, gardener not to mention our brothers and sisters that work in shops, will be working just to their transport fees. Do they forget that politicians don't take taxis?”
Others called on the authorities to strengthen alternative public transport services, including buses and trains.
Commentators also noted that the steep increase could deepen strife between various taxi factions, as well as between commuters and taxi operators.
They further warned that should the increase not be approved by the transport board, tensions could rise between those implementing the higher rate, and those complying with the board's final decision.
Others simply accused the NTTU of “daylight robbery and looting”.
Januarie said this week that public transport service providers in other towns and locally have increased their fares, without the approval of the transport board and did not face a backlash.
He added the union has on many occasions dismissed the Road Transportation Act of 1977 as an outdated and unconstitutional colonial relic, and that the NTTU does not have to comply with its regulations.
JANA-MARI SMITH
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