The Commuters Rights Association of Zambia (CRAZ) and the Bus and Taxi Owners Association of Zambia (BTOAZ), have indicated that a reduction in bus fares is under consideration following a continued drop in fuel pump prices.
CRAZ President, Aaron Kamuti, said the association is actively engaging the Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) and the Ministry of Transport and Logistics, to ensure that the recent fuel price reductions benefit commuters.
The Energy Regulation Board (ERB) yesterday announced a further reduction in fuel prices for the month of July, with petrol now selling at K28.00 per litre and diesel at K23.13 per litre, marking the third consecutive monthly reduction.
Speaking in an interview with RCV News in Lusaka today, Mr. Kamuti stressed the importance of passing on the benefit to passengers.“There is no other way around it but to ensure the fare reductions trickles down to commuters,” said Mr. Kamuti.
Meanwhile, the Bus and Taxi Owners Association of Zambia (BTOAZ) has echoed similar sentiments, saying it is also considering a reduction in bus fares in light of the continued fuel price drops.
Association National Secretary, Sydney Mbewe, said that BTOAZ is currently awaiting guidance from RTSA, especially as the sector continues to recover from previous losses incurred when fares remained unchanged despite earlier fuel price increases.
By Christabel Kamunu
