The Namibia Buses and Taxi Association (NABTA)'s Secretary General, Pendapala Nakathingo, has warned public transport operators against overcharging commuters and urged them to adhere to the approved tariff guide during the festive season, a practice that has become a recurring trend over the years.

Speaking on NBC's Namibia Connects programme, Nakathingo noted that overcharging usually occurs during the festive season, when many people are desperate and rushing to their destinations, often ending up stranded at transport terminals. 
Nakathingo stressed that any operator who goes against the required fare charges for passengers will face punishment, highlighting that overcharging commuters is a punishable offence.

He reiterated the Transport Minister's sentiments that offenders risk losing their operating permits.

He further emphasised the need for strict adherence to the NABTA tariff guide and called for collaboration among stakeholders to strengthen compliance.

"Sometimes some passengers are offering the drivers, say, for instance, to go to Ondangwa or Oshakati from Windhoek.  The bus and taxi fare is N$350. And then the passenger is coming to say, No, I have N$500; I have N$700, so take me. Then the other one said, No, the bus is full. He said, No, I can pay double. So it is a challenge to the driver because, you know, the driver is looking for money. Now, when somebody comes with that offer, he is now tempted to remove or to offload a passenger who is prepared on time. And now, on that basis, the drivers attempted also to overcharge some passengers, saying, 'Whoever wants to go, you either pay this price or you stay."

Nakathingo urged passengers to plan and travel early during the festive season to avoid delays and congestion. 
He also called on operators to prepare for increased demand, stressing cooperation between passengers and operators to ensure commuters are treated fairly and without harassment.

"So we are really discouraging the drivers and the passengers from overcharging. Passengers must not offer the drivers the amount that is not determined by NABTA as approved by the government. And also, the operators must desist and refrain from overcharging passengers. "We know the situation is not easy, but really, it is a challenge when it comes to, you know, affairs," stressed Nakathingo.

Nakathingo further emphasised that operators must ensure their vehicles are roadworthy and that passengers are transported safely.
He also urged operators to strictly adhere to traffic rules, especially during this busy festive period.