Staff Writer 
Bus Operators to go on strike from tomorrow
– Demands increase in passengers.
– Proposed that government, at least should buy them a petrol and sanitizers and other things needed for public transport to operate during Covid-19 period.
GABORONE: Botswana’s Bus Operators associations has vowed to begin bus strike from Tommow, June 6, if the govt fails to find a solution to their concerns.
When interviewed by iNK24, the Buses Association reveals that, has taken a decision to suspend long distance buses with effect from tomorrow while taxis and combies will halt business on Tuesday.
The operators said fuel price increases have made their business unprofitable. They want the minimum passengers to be increased to maximum number.
Committee said “Most of the bus operators are incurring losses and find it hard to continue the services. The state government should increase the passengers
WHAT HAPPENED TO THE PASSENGERS?
According to emergency powers, government has taken decision that, loading capacity for bus shall be 60 per cent of seating capacity with social distancing.
#a midi-bus permitted to carry a maximum of 22 passengers shall be limited to carry a maximum of 15 passengers including the driver,
#a bus permitted to carry a maximum of 65 and above passengers shall be limited to carry a maximum of
40 passengers including the driver, and
#public transport operators shall keep a register of all passengers on board.
#a mini bus licensed to carry 16 passengers is limited to carry a maximum of 10 passengers, including the driver,
#loading capacity for taxi services shall be on special or 60 per cent of seating capacity.
“This statistics itself shows the difficulties in surviving in this industry. People are now less dependent on public transportation so running bus services has become a high-risk business,”