Relief for commuters as ministry plans to fix bus fares

Kenyans are yet to enjoy reasonable fare on Public Service Vehicles (PSVs) if the ministry through the parliament will fix it.

Every outcry on bus fares has been falling on deaf ears with Kenyans robbed a lot of money on the roads.

Rongai, for example, has had rogue matatu operators of all time according to the residents. From reckless driving to hiking of bus fares has been a norm in the area with NTSA watching without any discipline.

The Transport ministry has taken action in a bid to protect the public against exploitation by Public Service Vehicles (PSVs).

The ministry has drafted amendments to the Traffic Act and the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) Act seeking to control fares charged by PSVs across the country.

Cabinet Secretary James Macharia, in a presentation to the National Assembly’s Transport and Housing committee, on Tuesday said the action is aimed at cushioning the public against being overcharged.

Mr Macharia, who was represented by Chief Administrative Secretary Chris Obure, said the proposals are at an advanced stage with the legal department in the ministry and will soon be presented to the Cabinet for adoption before being presented to Parliament.

Once the amendment has been effected, the Cabinet Secretary will have a legal mandate to determine the formulae for establishing the tariff, review mechanism of the tariff and penalty for non-compliance.

The ministry further wants the amendment of section 4(2) of the NTSA by introducing a new sub-section that will allow for the establishment of PSV fare tariffs.

If changes are made, proper pricing and fair share of public transport will be a good thing for transport sector.