Travellers want government to regulate transport fares

WESTERN PROVINCE KARONGI — Travellers in Karongi district have appealed to the government to regulate transport fares. The call comes days after the government announced a reduction of fuel prices, from Rwf924 to 756 per litre of petrol. Speaking to The New Times at SOTRA-travel agency on Tuesday, in Bwishyura Sector, a number of travellers complained that they are spending much on transport, despite a drop in pump prices. Currently, transport fares from Kigali to Kibuye have been hiked from Rwf1200 to Rwf1700. “If the government announced a drop in fuel prices, even these transporters were supposed to slash fares immediately,” one passenger, Louise Mukandori said. She added that without government’s immediate intervention, motorists will keep paying a deaf ear to the outcry of travellers. “The government is always our voice and we need it to rise up for our rights. If not, we shall keep suffering because we are the victims,” she added. Jean Pierre Murigo, another traveller, suggested that the government needs to first discuss the issue of fares with motorists- in order for transport fares to reduce concurrently with drop of fuel prices. Murigo claims that some motorists hike transport charges everyday. “Ordinary taxis charge us the way they want. You may pay Rwf1,800 to Kigali today- then pay more for the return ticket,” he said. Ends