Renthia Kaimbi
Illegal taxi and bus operators will not be allowed to increase fares under the newly approved 15% public transport tariff adjustment, works and transport minister Veikko Nekundi has warned.
The new fares will take effect on 18 May. The minimum taxi fare will increase from N$13 to N$15 following approval by the Road Transportation Board of Namibia.
In an interview with the Windhoek Observer, Nekundi said the approved fare increase only applies to legally registered public transport operators.
“Fares are for legal operators; we cannot regulate illegal operators,” Nekundi said.
The ministry announced the increase in a statement issued on Thursday after sustained pressure from registered transport operators struggling with rising fuel costs.
Nekundi’s remarks come amid growing concern within the ministry over the increasing number of unlicensed taxis and buses operating outside the regulated system.
The ministry called on all legally registered transport operators to implement the new fares responsibly and within the law.
Commuters were also urged to cooperate with authorised operators during the transition period.
“Dear Namibians, we have heard your cries; we have listened and have further embarked on our investigation to understand the seriousness of the complaints amongst the industry players.”
According to sources, the ministry is also intensifying efforts to identify and sanction illegal transport operators.
The Road Transportation Board said no fare adjustment had been approved since 2022 despite several fuel price increases linked to global oil market volatility and tensions in the Middle East.
Under Section 12 of the Road Traffic and Transportation Act No. 22 of 1999, only operators with valid public transport permits may apply for tariff adjustments when fuel prices increase.
The Namibia Public Passenger Transport Association had requested a 30% increase, but the board approved a 15% adjustment after considering both commuter affordability and the financial pressures facing operators.
The secretary general of the Namibia Bus and Taxi Association (Nabta), Pendapala Nakathingo, said the increase falls short of what operators requested but still provides some relief.
“We appreciate what the government has done with the 15% increase; although not sufficient, it is better than nothing,” Nakathingo said.
He also urged law enforcement agencies to crack down on illegal operators who may attempt to exploit commuters during the transition period.
“Law enforcement must take its own course to protect the interest of legal operators. Passengers cannot distinguish between legal and illegal operators; therefore, law enforcement must be present at taxi ranks and loading zones to ensure that illegal operators don’t take advantage of the current increase,” he said.
