STELLA T
With Christmas just around the corner, travelers in Uganda are grappling with the impact of soaring transport fares.
As the holiday approaches, transport operators have significantly raised their prices, making it more challenging for families to travel to upcountry destinations.
Passengers departing from Kampala are now faced with higher fares. For instance, fares on eastern routes have increased by Shs5,000, while passengers heading to the western region are experiencing hikes of up to Shs20,000.
At the Old Taxi Park in Kampala, travelers bound for places like Mbale and Tororo are paying between Shs30,000 and Shs45,000, compared to the previous fare of Shs25,000 for Mbale. Similarly, journeys to Jinja and Mayuge now cost between Shs15,000 and Shs17,000.
Transport operators attribute these fare increases to a range of factors, including an imbalance in passenger numbers. During the festive season, more people leave Kampala than return, prompting operators to raise fares to maintain profitability.
Rising fuel prices have also been cited as a major contributor. Companies like Jaguar Bus Services have indicated that higher fuel costs have forced them to adjust their fares. Additionally, the festive season brings increased operational expenses, such as vehicle maintenance and other running costs. The closure of Karuma Bridge has further complicated matters, as operators are now forced to use longer, more expensive routes.
Despite these challenges, some companies, such as Tausi Bus Services and YY Coaches, have chosen to maintain their fares to accommodate budget-conscious travelers.
As families prepare for their Christmas journeys, the rising transport costs are adding to the holiday stress. Travelers are advised to plan their trips early to avoid last-minute surprises and inflated fares.
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