By George Bukenya
Kampala Capital City Authority Executive Director Sharifah Buzeki has explained why the city needs to embrace the Rapid Bus Transport system as opposed to the current system of using taxis and motor cycles to carry the urban dwellers from their homes to work places.
She said that its time for people to accept changes that have occurred overtime in the city centres for instance the rapid increase in the population has accelerated high traffic congestion in the city which warrants a shift in the system of transport.
Speaking to reporters at Uganda Media Centre on Wednesday on the status of the city, Buzeki asserted that the President Museveni okayed the initiating of the electric bus transport system project and piloting the this has commenced with three buses working along Ntinda-Kiwatule route.
“ We are still piloting this electric bus transport project to get information from all stake holders to see how best we can manage it with several buses amidst the private sector operation,’’ Buzeki said.
“Those in the private sector dealing in transport ought to accept changes because the world has changed even Uganda has changed, for instance places which were formerly towns have in the recent passed become cities,’’ she reasoned.
Buzeki implored the Uganda Taxi Operators Federation (UTOF) and Boda-boda Union to also jump on board and be part of the electric bus system.
“ Those in the private sector shouldn’t get warried of KCCA buses let us compete freely and leave the forces of demand and supply dictate such that consumers be given to make preference and better choice.’’
The Executive Director also said that KCCA electric buses are fairly priced, they charge only UGX 2000 using the card system of payment but the users prefer using mobile money, after getting feedback, the payment system will change.
For Ntinda route alone Buzeki said 60 buses are needed but only three are on the road yet we need them on all roads linking from Kampala suburbs to the city centre.
KCCA Executive Director Sharifah Buzeki addressing journalists at Uganda Media Centre
The Chairman of UTOF Rashid Ssekindi said that KCCA instead of entering the business ought to have given a hand to the private operators and wait for the taxes.
“ I am just wondering why KCCA as a regulator connive with the manufacturer (Kiira Motors) and working towards out competing us instead of uplifting us through giving a security such that we secure these buses,’’ Ssekindi wondered.
He further said, “ We have plans with Kiira Motors limited, were UTOF made an order of 2000 seven metres electric vehicles .
Ssekindi also said that KCCA will not manage the business, explain that this is a wastage of tax payers money, he gave reference to the Pioneer Easy Bus which failed to thrive.