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TABOA happy, seeks more flexibility on timing
2008-07-13 17:04:20
By Darius Mukiza
The Tanzania Bus Owners Association (TABOA) has called on the government to allow upcountry bus services to operate for twenty four hours instead of the 12 pm deadline.
The call was made by the Chairperson of TABOA Mohammed Abdullah during an exclusive interview with this paper in Dar es Salaam.
The call follows the recent decision by the government to extend the cut-off point for night travel by buses to midnight, from the present 10 pm.
Abdullah told this reporter: ``First of all we congratulate the government on adding two hours for our buses to travel during the night to the last bus terminal.
This will decrease accidents which to a great extent resulted from drivers rushing to the nearest station before the deadline. But ideally, we should operate round the clock.``
He said in countries like neighbouring Kenya, a 24 hour bus service system started a long time ago, adding that it would enable the country earn more revenue, in addition to enabling people to conduct their activities without restraints occasioned by time limitations.
The TABOA official said in order for the time review to succeed, road blocks should be decreased and the police should spend a shorter time in clearing buses through them.
Abdullah called on the government to allow their buses to speed for 100 kilometers per hour adding that 80 km per hour is unsuitable.
He cited many European countries where the 100 km per hour speed applies but accidents are minimal.
The Traffic police Commander, James Kombe, said he was happy that TABOA had appreciated the extension of night travel from 10pm to 12 pm, adding that the association`s request for operating round the clock was being looked into.
On the 100 km per hour speed, he said whereas it was internationally accepted, the 80 km per hour option was the one adopted by Southern African Development Development Community member countries.
Kombe said road blocks had been removed, saying whoever spotted them should inform the police.
He pointed out, however, normal police checks would continue.
A sampling of public opinion shows that they are happy with the time review move as passengers would reach their destinations in good time, sparing them the inconvenience of spending a night along the way in respect of long routes.
Bus drivers, too, hailed the move.
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