Most matatus in Kenya have taken advantage of any situation on the road to gain more coins. This has been the habit especially in most urban centers as even residents are forced to pay more than the expected amounts just to get to their destinations.
This ingrained tendency has been going on. Not only during certain crack downs but also during festive seasons such as December where most matatu hike their fares making mwananchi suffer a lot.
But whatever they have been taking extra they should call it the end as the law is now striking hard.
The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has warned matatu operators against engaging in arbitrary increase of fares, following complaints from members of the public.
In a press statement issued on Tuesday, NTSA warned that it will revoke licenses of any public service vehicle (PSV) operator found to be exploiting passengers by charging more than the usual amount.
“Our attention has been drawn to complaints by members of the public regarding exploitation through arbitrary increase of fair by PSV operators… We therefore reiterate that an operator risks revocation of their road license should the Authority receive a report of such an incidence,” said NTSA.
Commuters have been urged to report incidents of increase of fare to the transport authority.
Section 30(3)(a) NTSA Act states that the fares imposed for the carrying of passengers should be reasonable and ensure fair competition within the transport industry.
This is smart move especially during this festive season , people will not struggle while traveling.