THE depreciation of the Kwacha prompted the Energy Regulation Board (ERB) to slightly increase the price of fuel by between 7.2 percent and 9.5 percent and wholesale price by 11.5 percent last week.
Following the development, bus operators have threatened to increase bus fares in order to sustain their operations.
We support the call by the Commuter Rights Association of Zambia on bus operators not to be in a hurry to adjust bus fares following the fuel price increase by the ERB.
Commuter Rights Association of Zambia national chairman Aaron Kamuti said it is imperative for bus operators not to rush into hiking bus fares until consensus is reached with relevant authorities and stakeholders.
We believe this would be the right direction to take over the issue because an arbitrary hike of bus fares could have adverse effects on consumers.
We hope bus operators will heed the advice from the commuter group.
The threat by bus operators that they will next week increase fares by K3 and K5 on short and long routes, respectively, is not welcome for the reasons stated above.
We expect bus operators to dialogue with the government, customers and the Commuter Rights Association of Zambia as well as the Zambia Consumer Association (ZACA).
It is only through such interaction that the rights of both consumers and bus operators will be protected. An arbitrary increase in bus fares will be imprudent.
Bus fares are already high and commuters have been complaining about these fares, therefore any further increase needs to be carefully thought out.
We are, therefore, advising bus operators to tread carefully, engage in dialogue and reach a win-win situation.
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