Taxi union condemns 50% hike
There has been an inter-union backlash at the proposed 50% fare hike by the NTTU union, with calls made for commuters to report any hikes.
The Namibia Public Passenger Transport Association (NPPTA) has called on commuters to report any illegal overcharging and says that despite escalating fuel prices a 50% taxi fare hike is not justified.
NPPTA secretary-general Nathan Africa said the 50% fare increase the Namibia Transport and Taxi Union (NTTU) says it will enforce in September, with or without ministerial approval, will be bad for commuters and the taxi industry overall. Africa appealed for calm after commuters raised concerns about NTTU's recent media statements and said the “tariff increase will only be enforced with government approval”.
He said anyone who is charged more than the government approved rate should report this.
Africa said the NPPTA has requested the road transportation board to increase fares by 10% for long-distance passenger transport and 20% for urban taxis.
“The decision for an increase from N$10 to N$12 was made after we had interviewed various taxi operators, who said the 50% increase will not only be detrimental to our loyal commuters but also for our industry, as we will be encouraging illegal operators.”
He said the union's priority is to ensure service levels are not affected and that all increases are “affordable, cost-effective and have a minimal impact on our commuters”.
Africa added the last tariff increase was in 2014 and a hike is necessary to buffer operators against rising fuel price increases.
He said further that the NPPTA is distancing itself from the NTTU's threat to enforce the 50% increase if the road transportation board declines to make it official.
He said the union is making it “categorically clear that the NPPTA distances itself from any illegal tariff hike”.
“We have a different perspective and to make threats or dare our stakeholders is a no-go zone.”
Head of the City Police traffic management unit, Senior Superintendent Adam Eiseb, said law-enforcement officials are keeping a close watch on the situation, and will be ready to enforce the law should any operators not comply with relevant regulations in place.
He said the public “can be rest assured we will make sure law and order prevails under all circumstances”, in connection with concerns that if the 50% increase is enforced without official backing in September, chaos could erupt among taxi operators and commuters.
Africa underlined that the NPPTA has built a close relationship with the transport ministry and supports the work being done through stakeholder consultations to “iron out the concerns in our industry”.
He said cooperation is the only way to succeed.
JANA-MARI SMITH
NPPTA secretary-general Nathan Africa said the 50% fare increase the Namibia Transport and Taxi Union (NTTU) says it will enforce in September, with or without ministerial approval, will be bad for commuters and the taxi industry overall. Africa appealed for calm after commuters raised concerns about NTTU's recent media statements and said the “tariff increase will only be enforced with government approval”.
He said anyone who is charged more than the government approved rate should report this.
Africa said the NPPTA has requested the road transportation board to increase fares by 10% for long-distance passenger transport and 20% for urban taxis.
“The decision for an increase from N$10 to N$12 was made after we had interviewed various taxi operators, who said the 50% increase will not only be detrimental to our loyal commuters but also for our industry, as we will be encouraging illegal operators.”
He said the union's priority is to ensure service levels are not affected and that all increases are “affordable, cost-effective and have a minimal impact on our commuters”.
Africa added the last tariff increase was in 2014 and a hike is necessary to buffer operators against rising fuel price increases.
He said further that the NPPTA is distancing itself from the NTTU's threat to enforce the 50% increase if the road transportation board declines to make it official.
He said the union is making it “categorically clear that the NPPTA distances itself from any illegal tariff hike”.
“We have a different perspective and to make threats or dare our stakeholders is a no-go zone.”
Head of the City Police traffic management unit, Senior Superintendent Adam Eiseb, said law-enforcement officials are keeping a close watch on the situation, and will be ready to enforce the law should any operators not comply with relevant regulations in place.
He said the public “can be rest assured we will make sure law and order prevails under all circumstances”, in connection with concerns that if the 50% increase is enforced without official backing in September, chaos could erupt among taxi operators and commuters.
Africa underlined that the NPPTA has built a close relationship with the transport ministry and supports the work being done through stakeholder consultations to “iron out the concerns in our industry”.
He said cooperation is the only way to succeed.
JANA-MARI SMITH
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