Windhoek
The Namibia Bus and Taxi Association (Nabta) has appealed to public transport operators to ensure that commuters are registered in the Passenger Control Sheet Book (PCSB) issued by Nabta to all bus operators.
Nabta president Vespa Muunda says this will make it easier for the police to identify passengers in the event of fatal road accidents.
“This PCSB will have a passenger name, surname, area of embarking, disembarking and the name of the next of kin and their telephone number,” the unionist said at a press conference yesterday.
He added that the PCSB will be found at every terminal across the country and that the price-list for short and long-distance would be specified in writing to ensure that passengers are not overcharged.
He said union officials will be at every roadblock across the country to prevent those without the PCSB from proceeding to their destinations.
He also requested police support to enforce the PCSB directive among public transport operators.
With the rainy season approaching, he also reminded public transport operators to adhere to good driving practices and to aim to arrive safely at their destinations over the holiday season.
“Too many people have been injured or killed over the years driving too fast during rainy conditions. Therefore, drive slowly when it is raining,” he advised.
Muunda further warned public transport operators to avoid overcharging passengers, especially during the festive season when the demand for bus services is high.
“This organisation will not allow overcharging of commuters. We will have a booklet at every roadblock that outlines all long-distance fares and the PCSB will also help in this regard,” he said.
“We already received complaints [about overcharging] from commuters in Lüderitz and this organisation condemns this practise. We will also asked the Namibian police to help us in this regard,” he said.
Furthermore, the union urged all people who plan to travel during the festive season to respect the rules of the road, to adhere to the law and to fully cooperate with the police. “No alcohol will be allowed while traveling,” he concluded.