Public Transport: Increase in Bus Ticket Claimed

"Every two years, based on recommendations made by experts, we must review rates bus tickets. However, last revised in 2010. We recalled that the Ministry had to study the rates and we assume that we will be invited to information needs, "said Sunil Jeewoonarain, Secretary of the Mauritius Bus Owners Co-operative Federation.

For bus operators, several factors justify a higher ticket. "The labor and diesel are our most important expenditure items. These two items are pumping an average of 75 to 80% of our revenues. On the other hand, we must invest in new buses. However, with the appreciation of the yen in recent years, Japanese cars are more expensive, "says Sunil Jeewoonarain. Another major expense bus tires. "There was certainly a tax reduction on tires, but this was not reflected in the market. Prices remained stable and, in some cases, they even increased. However, a bus must change its six tires four times a year. It takes an average of Rs 10,000 just for a tire, "says our interlocutor.

However, at this stage, the transit operators do not want to disclose the quantum of the increase requested. "We are telling us together. We will send a single request for both bus companies and cooperatives. It will be a full dossier in which all expenses incurred by operators will be given, "said Sunil Jeewoonarain. This file will be sent "in the coming months." "Before June! "Says Sunil Jeewoonarain. He believes that the authorities can minimize the increase in bus fare through formulas as the Account Recovery Bus Company, which acted as a damper for bus fares or remain stable through 'incentives' such as loans at preferential rates.