- Fuel shock deterring travel – threatens tourism
- Sharp rises in transport fares complicating holiday logistics
- widespread reassessment of travel plans
The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure moved swiftly on Wednesday to suspend newly introduced road transport fares just hours after implementation. The reversal followed a widespread outcry from commuters and transport operators who argued the hikes would place an unbearable burden on livelihoods.
The suspended rates had proposed a P6 increase, raising shared taxi fares from P8 to P14, special taxis to P40 per trip, and combis to P13. Long-distance travel on bitumen roads was set at P0.44/km, while gravel routes were priced at P0.46/km.
By midday, the ministry announced the suspension pending further consultations with stakeholders. In a follow-up statement, the ministry confirmed that the fare adjustments originally proposed for December 2025 would take effect in the interim. These rates include: shared taxis at P10.00, special taxis at P36.00, local minibuses (combis) at P9.00, and long-distance rates of P0.38/km for bitumen and P0.41/km for gravel and sandy roads.
Commuters have voiced strong opposition to the initial steep hike. Nametso Makhao noted that doubling the P8 fare would force many to walk to work. She highlighted that rising fuel prices have already triggered a domino effect—increasing production and logistics costs that are ultimately passed to consumers, reducing purchasing power and fueling inflation.
Another resident, Dimpho Shimane, argued that the fare hikes are out of step with the current cost of living, suggesting that any transport adjustment should be met with civil service salary increases. Similarly, Kealeboga Nawa expressed concern that skyrocketed long-distance fares would prevent families from visiting their home villages, severing vital social bonds.
For parents like Kempho Phaladi, the financial strain is personal. “I won’t be able to afford my children’s transport fees,” she said, noting that a student commuting from Moeti Ward to Maun Senior Secondary School would have to pay P14.00 four times a day under the suspended rates.
Taxi operators have shared mixed reactions. While some welcomed the higher rates to offset fuel costs, others feared a total loss of business. Operator Gasebonwe Baatshwana reported that on the first morning of the changes, many regular commuters chose to walk, leading to immediate losses. Driver Clifford Kathembo added that since most passengers are low-income earners, the hike would hit them hardest.
However, operator Gilbert Matoteng disagreed, welcoming the adjustment as a necessary response to rising fuel prices.
The controversy also sparked a mass demonstration by university students, who marched to the Office of the President. The protesters demanded their promised P2,500 allowances, arguing that the soaring cost of transport and general living expenses have made their current situation untenable.
