By Seleoe Nonyane
Commuters will have no reason to smile this festive as taxi and bus fares go up by 10 percent, effective from December 1, 2023.
This was revealed by Road Transport Board chairperson, Limema Phoohlo at a press briefing held in Maseru on Wednesday this week.
Phoohlo announced that 10 percent translates to one Loti. Fares for short-distance transporters like 4+1 taxis will go up from M12 to M13; mini-bus fares will increase to M12; a 42-seater mini-bus to M9; and a bus to M8.
He noted that long distance fares will go up by the same percentage.
Prior to the increment, the board conducted a research with the help of experts from the ministry of transport to determine the feasibility of the hike, he explained.
Phoohlo further indicated that the new fares were increased based on the poor performance of the economy and the high rate of unemployment while at the same time ensuring that the public transport business also survives.
“These changes were made to strike a balance between the needs of commuters and taxi operators, who need to stay afloat in the face of a struggling economy.
“The board has resolved to increase fares annually when the need arises. When a few years go by without a taxi fare increment, that means when it finally happens the hike will be steeper. Commuters will not understand this and they will also not be able to afford or absorb the hike.
“This is done to avoid grievances from commuters who complain about the high prices,” he said.
In May last year, the board announced a transport fare increase of 30 percent for local routes and 21.1 percent for long distance routes.
Phoohlo also revealed that the public must be told a month before fares become effective so that they can prepare themselves.
In an interview with theReporter this week, taxi operator Peiso Kose said he welcomes the fare hike and supports the decision to have increases annually.
He said this would inform commuters in advance and they will be more receptive to the new charges.
Annual taxi increases help to avoid conflicts between commuters and operators as they are gradual, Kose added.
