### Kinshasa: Towards a Two-Speed Public Transport Service?
The issue of public transport fares in Kinshasa is not new. Indeed, the recurring price changes and non-compliance with the regulations set by the authorities are evidence of a much deeper problem than simple fare adjustments. Far from being a simple matter of price, this situation raises crucial questions about the ability of the provincial government of Kinshasa to regulate a sector that is vital for its citizens, while highlighting the survival mechanisms adopted by drivers in the face of larger socio-economic challenges.
#### Stories from the Street
The testimonies of users such as Florent Mbuyi and Chancelvie Lukau eloquently illustrate the difficulties encountered on a daily basis. Traveling through the city is becoming a real obstacle course, despite the promises of the authorities. Users must contend with a transportation system that not only seems out of step with established fare standards, but also flawed in its organization. It is telling that a student is forced to leave her home at 5 a.m. to avoid a mid-morning fare increase, a system that not only penalizes the poorest but also exacerbates inequalities in access to education.
#### Drivers’ Reaction: Between Resistance and Adaptation
On the drivers’ side, Baba Diego’s justification for fare increases due to traffic jams and economic hardship is indicative of the realities on the ground. This situation is not simply a reflection of disorganization, but rather a coping mechanism in the face of precarious working conditions. Drivers struggle to balance economic needs in terms of profitability, while trying to meet government expectations.
A comparative analysis of transportation systems in other African metropolises, such as Nairobi or Dakar, highlights alternative solutions. For example, some of these cities have integrated collective transport modes that adjust their prices according to peak hours, thus reducing fare surcharges and improving the passenger experience. The implementation of such systems in Kinshasa would certainly require a significant initial investment, but could ultimately generate a significant improvement in the quality of life of users.
#### Solutions at Hand
It is essential that the provincial government does not simply publish decrees, but that it puts in place effective and transparent monitoring mechanisms. The presence of law enforcement officers at the various bus stops, to monitor compliance with fares and public transport standards, could result in a significant reduction in abuses. In addition, awareness campaigns on user rights and driver obligations could also help restore a relationship of trust between these two parties.
The development of mobile applications for real-time monitoring of fares and routes could also prove to be a valuable tool for passengers. By integrating feedback features, users could alert the authorities to abusive practices immediately, thus facilitating a rapid response from control officers.
#### A Call for Collective Action
The current situation cannot continue. Users, drivers and authorities must unite to develop viable and sustainable solutions. This requires collective reflection on the issue of public transport in Kinshasa, which should prioritize listening to and taking into account the real needs of the population. At a time when the city continues to grow exponentially, it is imperative to anticipate future challenges rather than reacting according to successive crises.
For a capital that aspires to provide a fair and efficient living and transportation environment, open dialogue between all actors in society is more than a necessity; it is an imperative. If Kinshasa truly wants to aspire to be a modern metropolis, radical changes must be initiated now, not through coercion, but through cooperation and innovation.
Thus, far from being a simple transportation problem, the dynamics underway in Kinshasa refer to broad societal issues, where equity, accessibility and efficiency must become the pillars of a public transportation policy that meets the needs of its population.