BE CONSIDERATE WHEN HIKING FARE, KAMUTI URGES BUS OPERATORS

BUS operators should be considerate when hiking fares following an increase in fuel pump prices because commuters who were end users are also finding it difficult to meet their daily needs with their stagnant source of income, says Commuters Rights Association of Zambia president Aaron Kamuti.

Mr. Kamuti noted with sadness that there were some ‘silent protests’ by public minibus drivers in view of hiked fuel pump price.

He told the Scoop that it was impossible for bus operators to have a huge lump sum at once due to the fact that businesses had become tough for everyone.

Mr Kamuti said commuters who were end users were the most affected as everything was hiked, making it difficult for them to meet their daily needs.

He applauded the drivers operating from Kulima Tower Bus station for having refused to hike bus fares in view of the recent hiked fuel to ensure they do not affect commuters.

“We want to appreciate the operators from Kulima Tower for the gesture, owing to the fact that every circle of the economy is affected. And they looked at a bigger picture ahead of what is still happening with regards the economies.

The hiking may still continue looking at the situation even globally, but what should be done is a gradual process so that they can meet demand as the people who are most affected are commuters,” he said.

However, bus drivers operating from Lusaka’s Kulima Tower bus Station have refused to hike bus fares in view of the recently announced hike by the Road Transport and Safety Agency RTSA of K1 for local routes and K2 peri urban routes.