New transport fare will take effect on the 5th of March

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New transport fare will take effect on the 5th of March

3:29 CAT | 28 Feb 2018

New fares for the semi-collective passenger transport vans commonly known as “Chapa 100” will come into effect on Monday, March 5, according to a resolution approved by the Maputo City Municipal Council last September.

For distances less than or equal to ten kilometers, the fare increases from the current seven meticais to ten, and for journeys of more than ten kilometers but less than 20, the tariff increases from nine to 12 meticais.

A statement from Maputo City Council emphasises that the fare increases are part of efforts undertaken by the government and municipality to improve the urban public passenger transport service.

The statement also points out that opportunism by operators will not be tolerated, and asks the public to report any irregularities.

Many users, however, as well as drivers, collectors and tax officials of the transport associations at semi-collective transport terminals, still did not have official notification.

Passengers say that the new tariff is no surprise, and that they already pay more than this for connections arranged by drivers and collectors.

They agree that the price increase is fair, taking into account the costs involved, but that it comes at a bad time for residents, already stifled by the rising cost of living.

Baptista Macuvele, president of the Maputo Carriers Association (ATROMAP), told Notícias that the measure is welcome, although the new tariff still did not cover operating costs.

According to Macuvele, studies suggest the minimum fare should be 25 meticais, more than twice what it is now, but he nevertheless believes that the increases will encourage operators who had left the sector to resume business, and even attract new ones.

“Only an increase in the number of vehicles will improve the transport service, and this is one incentive,” he said.

Source: Lusa