Bus operators have hiked passenger fares by 22 per cent across the board following the upward adjustment in the fuel pump prices by the Energy Regulation Board (ERB).

Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) Head of Public Relations Fredrick Mubanga announced in a statement that this decision was arrived at after the agency held a meeting with Bus and Taxi Owners Association of Zambia (BTOAZ), where it was tentatively resolved that fares be increased by 22 per cent across the board.

Mubanga however stated that the fares would be less than 22 percent for certain routes, as guided by fare charts that will be prepared by the BTOAZ in consultation with RTSA.

“During a meeting this week, the bus operators requested to vary their current Road Service Licences (RSL) by making adjustment of bus fares as stipulated under the Road Traffic Act No. 11 of 2002. Thus the desired increase have been effected after approval by all concerned stakeholders including the Ministry of Transport and Communications. The move is in line with the conditions under which the Road Service Licences (RSL) are granted. Subsection 12 (d) of Section 108 of the Road Traffic Act No. of 2002 underscores that a person applying for a road service license, and a holder of such a licence applying for its variation, shall submit to the Director the rate of fares of the proposed services,” stated Mubanga.

“Therefore, following the said meeting, the bus fares have been increase by a maximum of 22 percent effective 08th October 2018. However, for certain routes, the fares will be less than 22 percent as guided by fare charts that will be prepared by the BTOAZ in consultation with the RTSA.”