Africa-Press – Lesotho. Minister of Public Works and Transport Mr. Matjato Moteane met with public transport operators from the three regions to deliberate on increment of fare prices and cross border issues in Maseru.
According to information from the ministry, Mr. Moteane acknowledged that for some years prices have not gone up but said plans are in the pipeline to implement a new model to use for increasing the prices which he said is expected to be completed by end of February 2026.
It indicates that the Minister had stated that there will be stakeholders’ consultations so that they give inputs on this new model before implementation.
It adds that he explained that the Transport Board will continue to advise the ministry as it is lawfully right to increase price fares saying once all processes have been completed, an announcement for increment will be made.
Moreover, he advised transport operators to have meetings and unpack and review cross border issues before a cross border agreement is signed and implemented.
On the other hand, in an interview, Transport Board Secretary Mr. Bataung Thulo confirmed that they met with Minister Moteane which he said is a good move. He said they are yet to unpack the consultant report on the new pricing model saying at a later stage they will validate it.
He noted that if they are satisfied with the report, the price fares will go up in February.
Maseru Region Transport Operators (MRTO) Public Relations Officer Mr. Lebohang Moea also confirmed the meeting and told the Agency that the prices might go up in February next year. He said lawfully prices have to go up every year.
He added that they are going to meet to discuss the cross border agreement before it is signed as some of the clauses did not work in their favour.
Meanwhile, public transport operators had proposed an increase of local fares by M2 to M15 from the current M13. The new prices including those for long distance were expected to have taken effect from July 01.
The last increase was in December 2023 following negotiations between the transport operators and the government.
