Lusaka bus fares hiked

Bus and taxi fares in Lusaka have been increased.

This follows the adjustment in the pump price of fuel by the Energy Regulation Board -ERB- and increase in road tax, fitness and identity cost by the Road Transport and Safety Agency- RTSA.

Bus and Taxi Owners Association of Zambia Acting Spokesperson Peter Phiri says the increment takes effect on Monday, July 20, 2015.

Mr. Phiri says fares have been hiked on all Lusaka routes to between one kwacha and two kwacha, depending on the distance.

Mr. Phiri has equally appealed to Livingstone taxi operators who rioted over the increase in road tax to remain calm, as the association will find a way to dialogue with government over the matter.

But Transport Minister Yamfwa Mukanga says the planned increase in bus and taxi fares is illegal, as it has no authority from government.

Mr. Mukanga has also told ZNBC News in a telephone interview that he will discuss with the Finance Ministry which issued the Statutory Instrument on RTSA fares to see how best the issue can be resolved.

ZNBC