|
TABOA says fuel prices cause of bus fare hikes
2006-05-22 07:25:50
By Guardian Reporter
Tanzania Bus Owners’ Association (TABOA) yesterday said the sharp rise in fares for upcountry transport triggered by increased fuel prices was not unfair and illegal as stated by the Association of Transporters’ Services (HUWATA).
Mohammed Abdullah, the TABOA chairman in a telephone interview said bus owners had to increase the fares since the fuel prices were rising day-after-day.
’’There’s no way out the bus owners have to increase the fares since the price of fuel continue increasing,’’ he said.
On Friday HUWATA said the hike of fares for buses operating in upcountry regions was unfair and illegal and unprofessional, adding that procedures were not followed.
According to HUWATA the bus fares should not be raised before assessing realities on the grounds or by assessing the people’s incomes.
HUWATA urged the government not to close its eyes and leave transport operators do whatever they want, considering that the decisions to increase the fares affect the majority of Tanzanians.
However, the TABOA chairman said: ’’Bus owners have increased fares following the hike of prices for fuel…it is obvious that the price hikes results in the hike of fares.’’
|
