THE Road and Transport Safety Agency (RTSA) has warned public transport operators against imposing bus fares more than what was approved by Government. RTSA Head of Public Relations, Fredrick Mubanga said the guidance on new bus fares is clear and overcharging more than the approved figures will not be allowed.”Everyone should adhere to within what was guided, because the fare chart approved by RTSA is self-explanatory and therefore anything other than that will not be allowed,” Mr Mubanga said.Government approved an increase in new intercity fares by K55.87, Inter-Mine routes on the Copperbelt by K6.9 and local routes by K2.50.But bus operators on the northern circuit have increased bus fares by more than the fares approved by Government following the increase in the pump price for fuel. According to the Bus and Taxi Owners Association of Zambia (BTOAZ) fare chart for Muchinga Province, the fares have been increased by between K75 and K85 against the approved K55 on all intercity routes. Those travelling from Nakonde to Lusaka will be expected to pay K425 from the previous K340, translating to an increment of K85 or 25 percent, while those travelling from Isoka and Chinsali will fork out K415 and K395, respectively.
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