Minibus fares in Malawi increase by 100%

Minibus fares in major cities across the country have increased by 100 percent.

The fares have been adjusted due to the order that was imposed by special cabinet committee on COVID-19 to reduce passengers seating capacity to 60 percent.

A visit to Limbe bus depot confirmed that fares to, Lunzu 1200 from 600 and to Zomba from 1500 to 3000 kwacha while to Nsanje 6000 kwacha from 4000 kwacha representing 50 percent.

“I have been ordered to pay 9000 from 6000 kwacha which we were paying until the end of March 2020,” says the Monkeybay minibus passenger.

In Lilongwe passengers in some routes are paying 700 kwacha from 300 kwacha.

In a random interview concerned passengers expressed worry over the exorbitant hike of the fares.

“I am surprised with the exorbitant hike because I did not expect that but i knew of coronavirus prevention,” says one passengers

However justifying their hike the minibus drivers say they cannot maintain the fares because fuel prices have not been reduced.