Taxi and taxi-bus drivers in Bukavu, in the province of South Kivu, recently decided to increase the price of fares on certain roads in the city. This sudden increase surprised users, who found themselves faced with a double price, going from 500 to 1000 Congolese francs on the Nguba-Essence axis.
In reality, drivers operate in a half-field system, where they do not always follow usual routes. For example, they divide the route between Independence Square and the border in two, forcing customers to pay twice for a single journey.
Faced with this situation, the president of the Association of Drivers of Congo/South Kivu called the drivers to order, asking them not to adjust the prices of the races.
For his part, the mayor of Bukavu, Zénon Karumba, announced that a meeting would be organized with urban transport associations to clarify this question of price increases. He also urged taxi-bus drivers not to speculate on prices, given the controls put in place by the provincial government to ensure vehicle owners are in good standing with the state.
This situation highlights the challenges faced by public transport users in Bukavu. Not only do they have to deal with arbitrary price hikes, but they also have to deal with unorthodox driving practices from drivers.
It is essential that local authorities take measures to regulate the public transport sector and protect the rights of users. Actions such as regular checks on fares and routes, as well as disincentives for non-compliance with the rules, could help improve the situation and ensure a reliable and affordable transport service for all.