Maseru, Apr.09—The Public Transport Industry has this year’s Easter Holidays seen a drop in the number of passengers as compared to previous years.
This was revealed by Spokesperson for the Maseru Region Transport Operators (MRTO) Mr. Lebohang Moea in an interview.
According to Mr Moea, the drop can be attributed to the outcomes of COVID-19 as many people lost jobs and countries including Lesotho experienced economic meltdown. He pointed out that people no longer afford to take trips to their homes on every holiday due to their financial status.
Meanwhile he stated that despite the drop in the number of passengers those who have been using the public transport since Thursday have been cooperative. He however pointed out that alcohol abuse among the passengers remain a challenge as they sometimes become a problem to drivers and their helpers because they need to be looked after together with their luggage. He said such passengers require drivers to make sure that they go home in order to avoid being mugged.
Mr. Moea further stated that passengers use unauthorised bus stops. He said whenever they experience problems such as losing their luggage, it becomes difficult for them to get assistance unlike when they used authorised bus stops where lost properties can be traced.
When asked about the issue of people using their private cars as public transport, which is popularly known as ‘Catch a Ride’, also one of the major concerns within the public transport sector, Mr. Moea indicated that the practice exists. He pointed out that although they could not identify it during the Easter rush, they are working on it with assistance from the police and the army.
He remarked that despite the terrible conditions of the roads in the country, public transport owners worked hard to ensure that their vehicles are road worthy. He said that was to ensure that the vehicles are able to work throughout the Easter Holidays and beyond.
Mr. Moea appealed to the Government of Lesotho to facilitate good working conditions for the public transport. He asked for recognition and support from the government so that they can provide quality services for Basotho. He shared a vision that in future the majority of people will leave their vehicles at home and use public transport when going to work. He said that can only happen when there is quality service within the sector and all stakeholders are working together to improve it.
He acknowledged passengers, drivers and their helpers, law enforcement agencies and all road users for their cooperation since the holidays began. He also acknowledged public transport owners for their visibility on the roads as it kept drivers compliant and under control. He called for continued cooperation on the roads, patience and compliance with traffic laws when people return to their workplaces on Monday when the holidays come to an end.
The public transport sector in Lesotho is run by Basotho and is one of the main sources of income for many. It contributes to the improvement of the country’s economy as those who are owners have employees under them.
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INDUSTRY SEES DROP IN PASSENGERS
Maseru, Apr.09—The Public Transport Industry has this year’s Easter Holidays seen a drop in the number of passengers as compared to previous years.
This was revealed by Spokesperson for the Maseru Region Transport Operators (MRTO) Mr. Lebohang Moea in an interview.
According to Mr Moea, the drop can be attributed to the outcomes of COVID-19 as many people lost jobs and countries including Lesotho experienced economic meltdown. He pointed out that people no longer afford to take trips to their homes on every holiday due to their financial status.
Meanwhile he stated that despite the drop in the number of passengers those who have been using the public transport since Thursday have been cooperative. He however pointed out that alcohol abuse among the passengers remain a challenge as they sometimes become a problem to drivers and their helpers because they need to be looked after together with their luggage. He said such passengers require drivers to make sure that they go home in order to avoid being mugged.
Mr. Moea further stated that passengers use unauthorised bus stops. He said whenever they experience problems such as losing their luggage, it becomes difficult for them to get assistance unlike when they used authorised bus stops where lost properties can be traced.
When asked about the issue of people using their private cars as public transport, which is popularly known as ‘Catch a Ride’, also one of the major concerns within the public transport sector, Mr. Moea indicated that the practice exists. He pointed out that although they could not identify it during the Easter rush, they are working on it with assistance from the police and the army.
He remarked that despite the terrible conditions of the roads in the country, public transport owners worked hard to ensure that their vehicles are road worthy. He said that was to ensure that the vehicles are able to work throughout the Easter Holidays and beyond.
Mr. Moea appealed to the Government of Lesotho to facilitate good working conditions for the public transport. He asked for recognition and support from the government so that they can provide quality services for Basotho. He shared a vision that in future the majority of people will leave their vehicles at home and use public transport when going to work. He said that can only happen when there is quality service within the sector and all stakeholders are working together to improve it.
He acknowledged passengers, drivers and their helpers, law enforcement agencies and all road users for their cooperation since the holidays began. He also acknowledged public transport owners for their visibility on the roads as it kept drivers compliant and under control. He called for continued cooperation on the roads, patience and compliance with traffic laws when people return to their workplaces on Monday when the holidays come to an end.
The public transport sector in Lesotho is run by Basotho and is one of the main sources of income for many. It contributes to the improvement of the country’s economy as those who are owners have employees under them.
Ends BM