What You Need to Know
Transport operators in Lesotho expressed frustration after a meeting with the Minister of Public Works and Transport, Mr. Matjato Moteane. They had hoped to discuss fare increases but left without concrete outcomes. The operators are awaiting another meeting next week to see if their proposal for fare hikes will be approved, as they have been waiting for over two years for a government response.
Africa-Press – Lesotho. Following their meeting with the Minister of Public Works and Transport, Mr. Matjato Moteane on Friday instead of the Prime Minister as they had requested, Public Transport operators said they are facepalmed because nothing concrete has come out of the meeting as they are yet to meet with the said Minister again next week.
This, Maseru Region Transport Operators (MRTO) Spokesperson told the Agency in an interview on Saturday where he said initially they had sought an audience with the Prime Minister but they were informed on the day of the meeting that the Premier could not make it as he had other engagements.
He said so far they have nothing tangible regarding their proposal for increase of fares saying they are still waiting to meet with Minister Moteane next week after the cabinet meeting.
He said it is after such a meeting that they will know if their proposal has been approved or not.
The public transport operators had earlier announced that on May 01, fares will go up, with local M23 from the current M13 while long distance fares will increase by M9 per every 10km.
They had said the new prices will be forcefully implemented as they had been waiting for over two years for the government through the Transport Board to increase fares annually as per their agreement but to no avail.
Last year, the Ministry of Public Works and Transport engaged the consultant to determine the pricing model and through the report, the consultant had provided valuable insights into the financial realities of the transport sector and highlighted areas where the old pricing approach was insufficient.
The findings formed the basis of a new framework designed to set fares more realistically, reflecting both drivers’ needs and passengers’ affordability.
The Ministry had recognized the need for a more accurate and transparent approach that balances the interests of motorists and passengers. This initiative aimed to create a system that is fair, predictable and reduces disputes over fare increases.
By modernizing the pricing model, the Ministry seeks to strengthen trust and cooperation between transport operators and government authorities.
Meanwhile Lesotho’s public transport pricing is a regulated, cost-plus model driven by the Road Transport Board based on fuel prices, inflation and operating costs.
The last increase was in December 2023 following negotiations between the transport operators and the government with local fare set at M13.
Lesotho’s public transport system operates under a regulated pricing model, which is influenced by fuel prices and inflation. The last fare increase occurred in December 2023, following negotiations between transport operators and the government. Operators have been advocating for annual fare adjustments to reflect rising costs, but delays have led to frustration within the sector. The Ministry of Public Works and Transport has engaged consultants to develop a more transparent pricing framework, aiming to balance the needs of both operators and passengers.
