Africa-Press – Namibia. A LARGE group of people were yesterday stranded at the Okatana Service Station at Oshakati waiting for buses to Windhoek.
Many commuters were waiting at the bus terminal since early yesterday morning, hoping for transport.
When The Namibian visited the terminal, there were no available buses, and customers were waiting for the return of buses from Windhoek and other places.
Many of them are workers and pupils starting school this week.
Some passengers were yesterday afternoon at 16h00 still waiting for buses.
Some were also willing to sleep at the bus terminal to make use of the early buses.
Namibia Bus and Taxi Association (Nabta) secretary general Pendapala Nakathingo yesterday said Nabta has, however, advised people to travel back to their destinations earlier to avoid being stranded at bus terminals.
Nakathingo said many people travel at the last minute and end up having to stay at bus terminals.
“We are always urging the public to plan their travels in advance to avoid situations of this kind,” he said.
He said the association has been receiving numerous complaints from passengers being overcharged, and warned those doing this to stop immediately.
“We have heard people being charged N$500 from Outapi to Windhoek, which is way too much. We are warning those drivers who are doing it to stop it,” he said.
Nakathingo said those overcharging passengers are often not bus owners, although they are often blamed.
He said if a passenger has lots of luggage, a reasonable fee must be charged without overcharging them.
“People must not overload, because there are a lot of customers. The same applies to overcharging people. There are prices set by Nabta, and they must be used,” Nakathingo said.
He cautioned the public not to make any payments before they get into a bus to avoid losing their money.
“Do not give your money before entering the bus. You will lose it. Some people are not bus drivers, but will demand that you pay, which you must not do,” he said.
He said Nabta is always ready to assist the public, provided there is a need for transport.
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