Taxi union to go ahead with fare increase

DESPITE putting the intended fare increase of N$5 on hold last week, the Namibia Taxi and Transport Union says they will implement it on 1 September 2018.

Namibia Taxi and Transport Union (NTTU) president Werner Januarie said in a press statement on Saturday that the union had received complaints from some members after announcing that they would put talks of an increase on hold until issues with the other associations were resolved.

“We just want to make you aware that the taxi fare will increase by 50%, after all. After our latest announcement, there was displeasure from our members. Hence, they have requested for a meeting on 15 July at the Eveline Court parking area as from 14h00,” he explained.

He added that if everyone at the meeting agrees, the taxi fare would increase to N$15 per trip on 1 September.

“However, we’ll write a letter challenging and daring the minister [of works] to take certain steps if unsatisfied with the NTTU’s action, then we’ll call a press conference to inform the public accordingly,” he said.

Januarie told yesterday that they understand the Road Traffic and Transportation Act which stipulates that any fare increase should not be more than 10%, but they will still implement the increase, with or without the works minister’s approval.

“If the minister feels that we have transgressed the law somehow, within his power, he has the discretion to take up certain actions to remedy the situation, or to call us to order, or whatever the situation may be,” he said.

He explained that the meeting on Sunday would not only discuss the increase, but will discuss the letter that they will write to the ministry of works.

The union has been fighting for the fare increase since February when they initially wanted a 20% rise.

Nampa reported that the last taxi fare increase was in 2014 when it rose from N$9 to N$10 per trip after the Namibia Bus and Taxi Association had negotiations with the government.

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