Taxi drivers in Kampala are bracing up for the stiff competition for passengers, following the introduction of the pioneer buses.
An estimated 100 buses each guarded by two or three armed police operatives hit the city streets on Monday, mounting pressure on the taxi drivers, who had gone on strike to protest the high charges.
The buses have already had a mark, because they are cheaper and are attracting more passengers.
A ride within town like from Bukoto to City Square, is being charged at Shs800 compared to Shs1,000 or even more charged by the taxi operators.
The taxi drivers have been left with no option but to review their transport charges, despite the high cost of fuel.
A liter of diesel from the petrol station is bought at UGX3, 300 per litter far higher compared to people purchasing fuel from the depot. Some depot s are selling fuel at UGX2, 500(diesel) per litter.
John Masanda one of the directors and a commercial officer at Pioneer Bus Company, said he is enjoying little fuel prices since he is refilling his 100 buses right from the fuel depot.
Masanda he is being given great discount since he is consuming 30,000 liters of fuel daily to refill his 100 buses.
Bogere Francis a taxi driver at the new taxi park says he is ready to compete with the pioneer buses. But asked government to reduce on the fuel prices.
//Cue in: We are ready for the business………………..
Cue out: Let her also decreased the annual charges toUGX70,000.//
Luggya Noah, a taxi driver at Bweyogere stage admits that he is already feeling the pinch of the pioneer buses. His income has since Monday dwindled. He used to earn between UGX50, 000 andUGX70, 000 but that has come down to just 30,000 shillings.
Wambi Azed, a taxi operator at City Square stage asked the government to review the 120,000 shillings being charged as annual charge.
About 100 buses belonging to Pioneer Bus Company were rolled on Kampala streets, a few hours after taxi operators went on strike protesting what they described as high annual tax of Shs120, 000 levied by the KCCA.
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