ZANIS COPY;- Bus/Taxi operators in Kabwe reduce fares

———————-Bus and Taxi operators in Kabwe have agreed to reduce fares by K1 for taxi’s and 50n for buses.

ZANIS reports that Kabwe District Commissioner Patrick Chishala said the reduction was long overdue because people needed to enjoy the benefits of fuel reduction.

Speaking after a consultative meeting with stakeholders from Bus and Taxi Drivers Association, Public and Private Drivers Association and some private bus operators, Mr Chishala said government wanted to pass on the benefits of the fuel reduction to the travelling public.

He said it was only logical for Zambians to benefit from the reduction of oil prices on the international market adding that the government was hopeful that the reduction will impact positively on the people.

“With effect from 29^th January all buses and taxis operating local routes should reduce by 50n and K1 respectively, while those loading from Kabwe to Lusaka and to Serenje should reduce by K5,” he said.

The Kabwe District Commissioner said there was also need for other traders to consider reducing some commodity prices.

He said the reduction of fuel had contributed in reducing costs of doing business hence the need for the reduction in prices of goods.

And Bus and Taxi Drivers Association Vice National Secretary George Kamwimbe echoed the need to pass on the benefits of the fuel price reduction to the members of the public.

Mr. Kamwimbe said the reduction of K1 and 50n would not affect the operations of business for their members because the reduction of fuel pump prices was significant.

He also called on the local authority to take a leaf from the reduction of fares and reduce the levy’s being paid in bus stations.

Recently government reduced the pump price of fuel with petrol going down by over 23 percent from K9.89 to K7.60

Diesel and Kerosene were reduced from K6.59 and K4.69 from K9.18 and K6.77 representing a reduction of K2.59 and K2.08 respectively.