MANZINI – Public transport operators are calling for an increase in bus fares, but consumers say life is already unbearable.
Consumers were reacting to submissions by public transport operators who, during a meeting yesterday, said fares should be increased to counter the steep surge in public transport user fees implemented last year.
The operators said the user fees, which at some point rose by more than 200 per cent, include variation permits, permit renewal fees and border toll fees. They alleged that these were implemented without their consent following a meeting held at the Swaziland Commercial Amadoda Conference Room.
In response to the operators’ bid to cushion their businesses, Swaziland Consumer Forum Chairperson Mandla Ntshakala said if bus fares are increased this year, consumers must brace for tough times.
He said this would push up the cost of basic necessities by more than 10 per cent, as several goods and services have already gone up.
Recently, the Eswatini Electricity Company was granted a 13.61 per cent electricity tariff hike. Ntshakala said the increment affects the 34 units received for E100 and that businesses would pass increased power costs on to consumers through higher prices.
“Consumers will face a difficult future because they are already struggling with the cost of living. No one speaks about increasing salaries, but when it comes to these costs, approval is almost guaranteed,” he said.
He urged government not to grant the increase and to protect consumers from the high cost of living.
His remarks come as some operators have resolved to petition Minister for Public Works and Transport Chief Ndlaluhlaza Ndwandwe, seeking consultation in key decision-making processes.
They argued that had they been consulted, they would have proposed that any increase in user fees be accompanied by a simultaneous fare adjustment to prevent the industry from collapsing. Some operators last year proposed a 50 per cent fare increase.
The public transport operators, including members of the Swaziland Local Kombi Association (SLKA) and cross-border operators, are pushing for fare increases of up to 50 per cent, citing rising operational costs, fuel price hikes and reduced profitability.
A E10 trip could rise to E15 if the proposals are approved.
Local fare adjustments require agreement on percentages, submission to government, public input and final approval by Parliament.
Cross-border kombi fares have already increased by between seven and eight per cent due to higher operational costs and reduced passenger numbers.
Meanwhile, the public transport operators also decried the absence of a formal structure advocating for them and questioned the alleged appointment of a National Road Transport Council without their input.
Operators representing kombis, taxis, for-hire services, school buses and bus owners said they were aware of a National Road Transport Council whose term ended in December last year.
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Public transport operators are calling for an increase in bus fares, but consumers say life is already unbearable. (File pic)