Transport by taxi will cost N$15 for a single, standard ride from 18 May.
General taxi fares were last increased in Namibia in 2021.
A 15% increase in fares announced by minister of works and transport Veikko Nekundi during a media briefing in Windhoek on Thursday applies to taxis, minibuses and buses operating in urban areas and transporting passengers between towns.
The increase follows on complaints from taxi drivers about fuel price hikes with no adjustment in taxi fares.
Nekundi said his ministry has taken note of fuel price increases and several presentations and appeals from stakeholders, and has moved to increase passenger transport fares by 15%.
He said the ministry, together with the Road Transportation Board of Namibia (RTBN), carried out consultations and assessments to determine the extent of the impact of rising fuel prices on the transport industry and the sustainability of current fare structures.
“Dear Namibians, we have heard your cries, we have listened and have further embarked on our investigation to understand the seriousness of the complaints among the industry players. The ministry acknowledges the role taxis and buses play in ensuring daily mobility of passengers, and the financial pressures faced by the sector,” he said.
He noted that a request for a 30% increase was made to the RTBN by the Public Passenger Transport Association.
“In light of the request, we took into consideration that there has not been an increase of tariffs over the last four years. Accordingly, the taxi fare will increase from N$13 to N$15,” Nekundi said.
He called on transport operators to implement the approved fare adjustments responsibly in compliance with the Road Traffic and Transportation Act.
He also urged commuters and the public to cooperate and engage respectfully with transport service providers during the transition period.
Nekundi added that the government is committed to engaging stakeholders in pursuit of sustainable and affordable public transport solutions for all Namibians.
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