BUS FARE HIKE ILLEGAL, WARNS RTSA
By KALOBWE BWALYA THE increment of bus fares by some bus operators is illegal and outside the provisions of the Road raffic ct o !! of 2002, Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) head of public relations Fredrick "u#anga has $arned
Mr Mubanga said anyone found wanting would be dealt with severely,
Mr Mubanga said the move by some operators is illegal as RTSA had not received any requests from any operator to vary their current road service licences (RSL) for adjustment of bus fares as stipulated under the ~oad Traffic ct }o. 11 of 2002.
Mr Mubanga said the desired increase can only be communicated and effected after discussions had been held and concluded by all concerned stakeholders including the Ministry of Transport and Communications.
He said the agency was appealing to passengers not to hesitate to call the RTSA on 983 toll free line or hotline 0955 983983 should they be charged new fares.
He warned all bus operators against operating outside the Act saying any operator found wanting would be dealt with severely to safeguard the plight of the passengers
“Bus operators are aware of this regulation, which is stipulated in the conditions under which Road service Licences are granted, subsection 12 d of section 108 of the road traffic ct }o. of 2002 underscores that a person applying for a road service licence, and a holder of such a licence applying for its variation, shall submit to the director the rate of fares of the proposed services.
“The regulation therefore entails that bus operators are under obligation to request the director for variation of the current Road Service licences or the terms and conditions under which licences were granted,” said Mr Mubanga.