Taxi and bus drivers in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, are setting their own transport fares, often charging passengers exorbitant amounts. On the city centre-UPN route, for example, fares vary greatly depending on the time of day. Before 5am, passengers pay 2000 FC from UPN to the city centre, while the return trip costs 1500 FC. However, after 6am, fares increase to 4000 or 5000 FC. This has caused frustration among passengers who feel they have no control over the situation.
The issue is further complicated by the presence of "chargeurs" who interfere with fare setting. Officially, the city government has set transport fares, but these are being ignored by drivers. The lack of enforcement on the roads means drivers are able to operate with impunity. This has resulted in a situation where drivers behave as if they are in a state of lawlessness. The disregard for official fares is just one aspect of the problem; another is the practice of "demi-terrain" which has resumed despite being prohibited.
The "demi-terrain" practice involves drivers picking up and dropping off passengers at arbitrary points along the route, rather than at designated stops. This has become commonplace, with no apparent consequences for drivers who break the rules. Citizens are bearing the brunt of this disorder, with their already strained purchasing power being further stretched by the high transport costs. The government has been urged to take action to address the issue and protect citizens from exploitation.
The situation is having a significant impact on the daily lives of Kinshasa's residents. With prices of everyday products rising sharply, the last thing citizens need is to be overcharged for transport. The government is being called upon to take a firmer stance on the issue and enforce the regulations that are already in place. This includes imposing exemplary sanctions on drivers who break the rules and fail to respect official fares.
One of the key factors contributing to the problem is the lack of effective enforcement. Until now, there has been no meaningful response from the authorities to address the issue. The government needs to take concrete steps to regulate the transport sector and ensure that drivers are operating within the law. This includes providing adequate resources to monitor the roads and take action against those who break the rules.
In addition to enforcing official fares, the government also needs to address the issue of safety. The practice of passengers clinging to bus doors while they are in motion is a long-standing problem that has yet to be effectively addressed. The authorities need to take a comprehensive approach to regulating the transport sector, including measures to improve safety and protect passengers.
The city government has been urged to take immediate action to address the issue. By enforcing official fares and taking action against drivers who break the rules, the authorities can help to reduce the financial burden on citizens and improve the overall quality of life in Kinshasa. The government needs to be proactive in addressing the issue and ensuring that the transport sector operates in a fair and transparent manner.
Key points
- Taxi and bus drivers in Kinshasa are ignoring official transport fares, causing financial hardship for citizens.
- The lack of enforcement on the roads has enabled drivers to operate with impunity, leading to a situation where they behave as if they are in a state of lawlessness.
- The government needs to take concrete steps to regulate the transport sector and ensure that drivers are operating within the law.
