Stick to fare chart – BTOAZ tells drivers after fuel price hike

The Bus and Taxi Owners Association of Zambia (BTOAZ) has urged bus operators to adhere to the recommended fare chart following recent fuel price adjustments by the Energy Regulation Board (ERB).

Speaking in an interview with Zambian Business Times -ZBT, BTOAZ Chairperson, Sydney Chewe said bus operators on local routes should follow the recommended fares instead of setting their own prices.

This follows concerns from commuters travelling on the Mtendere route, where bus drivers operating from City Market are reportedly charging the old fare of K18, while those operating from Kulima Tower have adopted the revised fare of K20. Chewe said some operators had previously charged lower fares to attract passengers, while others had adjusted their prices in response to rising fuel costs.

“Bus operators should stick to the recommended fare chart and avoid charging fares based on their own decisions,” he said.

Chewe advised commuters to check the fare chart before boarding buses and choose operators whose fares they could afford. “Passengers should know the recommended fares so that they can make informed decisions before boarding a bus,” he said.

Chewe added that enforcing the recommended fares is the responsibility of relevant government authorities, including the local authority and police, while the association facilitates fare discussions on behalf of operators.

Article by Karen Ngulube