Taxi drivers operating from Manonyane bus stop in Maseru have raised concerns over deteriorating working conditions, citing unregistered “catch-a-ride” operators, poor infrastructure and declining passenger numbers as major challenges affecting their daily operations.
In separate interviews with the Lesotho News Agency (LENA), drivers said competition from catch-a-ride transport services has significantly reduced their customer base.
Mr Ts’episo Fenyane, a sprinter driver operating between Maseru and Mafeteng, said it now takes between two to three hours for a vehicle to be filled with passengers. “I have been working as a driver for six years and things have changed.
We are facing a rapid decrease in passengers because of catch-a-ride transport. We struggle to understand how they are allowed to operate while unregistered,” he said. Mr Limpho Letsapo, who drives the Maseru–Mohale’s Hoek route, appealed for intervention from law enforcement authorities. “We would appreciate assistance from the police to ensure that catch-a-ride drivers obtain proper public driving licences,” he said.
He further highlighted the rising cost of fuel as another burden. “Petrol is very expensive. Imagine travelling to Thaba-Bosiu with fuel worth M300 and only managing one load in a day. We fail to reach our daily targets and are left with very little income,” he added. Mr Bokang Kehlane, a queue marshal and driver at Manonyane bus stop, said they reported their grievances to the magistrate’s office in 2023 regarding illegal operators and poor road conditions, but have yet to receive feedback. “We have not received any response.
The bad roads and the presence of catch-a-ride drivers continue to create difficult working conditions for us. We can hardly meet our basic needs,” he said. Mr Kehlane also noted that the government had previously promised to meet with the taxi association but had not yet done so.
He urged authorities to consider reopening factories to create employment opportunities, which he believes would increase the number of commuters using taxis. Another driver, Mr Lepheana, who operates between Maseru and Thaba-Tseka, raised concerns about damaged sewage pipes and large potholes filled with water at the bus stop. “When it rains, passengers have nowhere to shelter while waiting for vehicles. During hot weather, there is no shaded area.
We would appreciate it if the bus stop could be rebuilt from scratch,” he said. However, a passenger who uses catch-a-ride services, Miss Malisema Majoro, said she prefers them due to convenience. “Catch rides save time. They are quicker, available 24 hours a day and my packages are always safe,” she said.
Manonyane bus stop is one of the busiest transport points in Maseru serving commuters travelling to districts such as Mafeteng, Mohale’shoek, Thaba-tseka and surrounding areas.
Ends/RK/BM