The city of Kinshasa, capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, is currently the scene of a serious problem that directly affects the population: the increase in public transport prices. Since the implementation of an alternating traffic mode on some of the city’s main arteries, residents have been faced with a significant increase in fares and the common practice of “half-track”. This situation has become a major source of concern for residents who depend on public transport for their daily travel.
The Association of Drivers of Congo (ACCO), represented by its provincial president Bienvenu Kakule, was called upon to provide solutions to this problem. According to him, some drivers do not hesitate to double or even triple the price of a trip, which weighs heavily on users’ budgets. This abusive practice harms not only the population, but also the image of the profession of public transport driver.
In the face of this alarming situation, Emerson Mwanga, a member of the National Movement of Aggrieved Consumers, draws attention to the urgent need for action to protect citizens’ rights. He stresses the importance of putting in place control and regulatory mechanisms to prevent driver abuse and ensure fair and transparent fares for all.
To effectively address this issue, it is necessary to promote transparency and accountability within the public transport driver profession. Regular inspections and severe sanctions against offenders can help deter abusive practices. In addition, educating and sensitizing drivers on the importance of respecting agreed fares is essential to maintain user confidence.
Finally, it is imperative to involve local and national authorities in finding sustainable solutions to ensure a reliable and affordable public transport service for all. Collaboration between stakeholders is essential to find effective and sustainable measures to eradicate the scourge of rising public transport prices in Kinshasa.
In conclusion, the fight against non-compliance with public transport pricing in Kinshasa requires concerted action by all stakeholders involved, in order to guarantee the fundamental right to mobility of the population and to promote a fair and accessible public transport service for all.