**Title: Towards a necessary reform of public transport in Kasumbalesa – Lubumbashi: Between social tensions and economic issues**
The recent decision by public transport drivers from Kasumbalesa to Lubumbashi to double or even triple the fare of journeys calls into question not only the daily lives of users, but also the underlying economic structures that govern this vital sector for the population. The increase from 12,000 FC to 25,000 FC for some journeys and to 20,000 FC for others raises a series of questions about the sustainability of this economic model and its impact on the lives of citizens.
### A fragile socio-economic context
At the heart of this crisis lies a central issue: price fluctuations, aggravated by geographical and logistical realities. Indeed, the Kasumbalesa region is experiencing a constant increase in the price of fuel, exacerbated by tensions on the global market and local supply challenges. Drivers, faced with the inevitable rise in operating costs, find themselves in a delicate situation. However, the lack of clear explanations and transparent regulation in this regard has led to palpable impatience among users.
### A survival reflex or an abuse of power?
According to a recent study, nearly 60% of consumers surveyed believe that the increase in public transport prices has a direct impact on their purchasing power and their access to basic necessities. With the majority of inhabitants of this region living below the poverty line, it is hardly surprising that this situation leads to a questioning of drivers’ practices. Indeed, a driver who mentions “hassles at the parking lot” and traffic jams on the roads seeking financial gain seems to ignore the feelings of his customers, who are facing an increasingly difficult economic reality.
### A call to action: regulate to save
Faced with this status quo, the voice of the population is raised with a clear demand: the intervention of the competent authorities. Several civil organizations, such as the Collectif des Usagers de Transport public (CUTP), advocate for price regulation in order to protect consumers from arbitrary increases. Far from being simply a request to maintain affordable fares, this request is part of a broader need to guarantee fair access to transport services, especially when the local economy is already under pressure.
### Towards a collaborative solution
Could this crisis be an opportunity to initiate a constructive dialogue between drivers, users and authorities? Local authorities should consider advisory boards including all stakeholders in order to co-construct a fare structure that takes into account the needs of drivers while protecting users. Existing models, such as those observed in cities like Dakar in Senegal, which have successfully implemented public transport fares based on local economic realities, could serve as a reference.
### Conclusion: An opportunity for sustainable change
The recent developments around public transport fares in Kasumbalesa – Lubumbashi represent more than a simple price adjustment: they reveal an economic fragility at the heart of citizens’ daily lives. The real challenge lies in the need to adapt transport systems to market realities while preserving the economic integrity of users.
A joint and transparent approach between all parties could transform this crisis into an opportunity for innovation in transport modes and governance, thus emphasizing the importance of a legal framework that supports both drivers and users. In the future, the sustainability of this sector will depend on the ability of all actors to dialogue, innovate and adapt to a constantly changing economic reality.
*Joseph Malaba/Fatshimetrie.org*