Transport fares to all upcountry destinations have increased as the festive season draws close.
In most of the bus terminals and taxi parks visited by reporters yesterday, the transport fares have almost doubled to what was being charged prior to the festive season.
On the western route, companies such as Global Coaches are currently charging between Shillings 50,000 to 700000 Shillings to Mbarara up from Shillings 40,000.
Travelers to the districts of Greater Masaka must part with Shillings 40,000 up from Shillings 25000.
Those heading to Fort portal and Bundibugyo have to fork out Shillings 65,000 shillings up from Shillings 35,000 shillings and those to the border district of Kasese are now parting with Shillings 80,000 from Shillings 65,000 previously among others.
Julius Baseke, a booking clerk at Pokopoko Bus Company, which plies the Kasese route, defends the hiked transport fares unlike many years there are few travellers without return travellers yet they are already operating on half capacity.Mr. Julius 1 on passengers;….
Mr. Vigario Okumu, the General Manager Kakise Coaches notes that in previous years the bus park could be full of travellers who at times could even fight to get a bus ticket but it can take them two hours now to load a single bus with 33 passengers.
Okumu notes that unless the government allows them to load at least 50 passengers nothing might change soon. Mr. Okumu 2 on buses;…
The hiked transport fares have taken a huge toll on passengers. END.