Maseru, Nov. 22 — Road Transport Board has increased transport fares by M1.00 which is equivalent to 10 percent effective from December 01 this year.
This was revealed by Road Transport Board Chairperson, Mr. Limema Phoohlo at a press briefing held in Maseru on Wednesday.
Mr. Phoohlo indicated that for local, 4+1 taxi which used to cost M12.00 will now cost M13.00, mini bus from M11.00 to M12.00, Sprinter from M8.00 to M9.00 and Bus from M 7.00 to M 8.00, saying long distances will still be increased by same percentage.
He clarified that the new fares were increased based on the economy which has meltdown and high rate of unemployment while at the same time ensuring that the public transport business also survives.
He further said the board has advised itself to increase fares annually when there is need to avoid increasing it with higher amount of money, clarifying that transport operators and other stakeholders are always consulted before fares are increased.
He also said the public must be told a month before fares become effective so that they could prepare themselves.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Public Works and Transport has informed members of the public that F permits which have been unavailable since August this year are now available at traffic offices, apologizing for the inconvenience.
