The government has come out to condemn and warn matatu operators who have hiked fare as well as those who are participating in the ongoing strike.
A staffer at the National Transport and Saftey Authority (NTSA) confirmed to Kenyans.co.ke that the Cabinet Secretary for Transport James Macharia announced that the authority will revoke the licenses of vehicles that are charging exorbitant rates.
“It is not a license to increase fares when we have a shortage of public transport, we know in some cases they have increased the fare by three times and that is not acceptable,” commented Macharia.
He also put on notice matatus which had deliberately withdrawn their services causing an inconvenience to thousands of city commuters.
“By them not being on the road, they are giving the message that they do not require those licenses.” stated the CS
He added, “We shall be looking very carefully from now to determine the vehicles which are not on the road and the Saccos which are not operating.”
Some of the exorbitant fare charges as established by Kenyans.co.ke include Umoja to CBD Ksh350, Rongai to CBD Ksh300, and Donholm to Mlolongo Ksh350.
In Kabete, commuters parted with Ksh100 to town in a place where the fare is always around Ksh60 or Ksh70.
Travellers from Uthiru to Westlands were charged Ksh200. The normal price ranges from Ksh30 to Ksh50.
Kangemi to Westlands cost Ksh100 in a place where the fares are always between Ksh10 to Ksh30.
Transport CS James Macharia says government to take action against matatu operators who have hiked their fares during the #MatatuCrackdown. #MichukiRules pic.twitter.com/uZ9XQZH8EW
