Scaled-down Windhoek bus services to affect commuters, domestic workers

Windhoek residents who rely on municipal buses will face reduced transport options during the festive season, following the City of Windhoek’s decision to scale down operations from 15 December to 10 January.

In a statement issued on Monday, the city attributed the decision to reduced passenger demand during the festive period.

“Services will be fully suspended from 24 December 2025 to 3 January 2026. Normal municipal bus operations will resume on 12 January,” the statement reads.

Some residents say municipal buses are affordable and that reduced services will increase their transport costs, particularly for those who work far from their places of residence.

Olga Garises, who lives near the Damara bus stop, says her neighbour, a domestic worker in Pioneers Park, relies on municipal buses because they are more affordable.

While the buses are cheaper, passengers often have to walk long distances to bus stops, and services are inconsistent, she says.

“Sometimes the bus drivers come, sometimes they don’t. This November, she wasn’t able to get a bus at all,” she says.

Fernando Kazevi, a resident of Otjomuise, says he relies on taxis after moving to an area without a nearby bus stop, which has affected him financially.

“Where I live now, there’s no bus stop. It takes almost an hour to get to the closest one,” he says, adding that the N$26 taxi fare from his home to work is costly.

Auguste Kankono says she also makes use of taxi transport because she works on Saturdays, while municipal buses operate only on weekdays.

Human rights activist Shaun Gariseb says while the reduction in services is understandable during the holiday season, it will be costly for domestic workers and blue-collar employees working in areas such as Klein Windhoek, Olympia and Cimbebasia.

“Many people go on holiday in December, but some are still working, and bus transport is very important. These are the general workers who look after homes while others are away,” he says.

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