KINSHASA(DRC)/Public transport: Kinshasa women deplore the disorderly rise in fares.
Kinshasa, December 17, 2022 (ACP) – Kinshasa women approached by the ACP at bus stops on Saturday deplored the disorderly and unilateral increase in the price of a ride in a public transport vehicle, in this period of end of year celebrations. We, the people of Kinshasa, are really tired,” they said, “The drivers of Kinshasa are exaggerating. Every day that passes sees a new fare, and it is revised upwards. For example, the Direction Générale des Contributions (DGC) in the commune of Ngaliema – Zando (Central Market), which used to cost 1000 FC, now costs 1500 or 2000 FC.
From Kintambo shop to the Mandela roundabout on the Boulevard du 30 juin, while the customer used to pay 500 FC, he is now obliged to pay 1000 FC. From Place de Victoire to DGC, the price is 1500 FC, without counting the half-field system which consists in shortening the journey”, said Mrs Belinda Mbala, a state official. According to her, this situation still tortures the population already with low purchasing power. She notes that this behaviour is also copied by the motorbike taxi drivers from Magasin to DGC Barré who have raised the price of the motorbike ride from 1000fc to 2000fc.
The population is facing enormous difficulties to get to the desired place because of the pricing which depends on the moods of the drivers.
Another woman made the same observation. “The drivers make it difficult for us to reach the city centre, either they make the passengers get off at Kintambo shop if we refuse to pay 1500 FC, or they take the money at the entrance of the bus before taking the seat first. This is behaviour that should not be encouraged,” she says.
The population asks the drivers to change their behaviour. The women call on the authorities to act urgently to deal with this population. Because those who cannot afford to pay or who refuse to give in are walking from one route to another, with all the consequences that can follow.
Miss OLY
