Association calls out operators

By GLORIA BAUAI
PUBLIC Motor Vehicle (PMV) operators for some routes in Lae imposing unapproved extra charges have been singled out by the body representing them.
Route Four PMV Association chairman Kopen Vaibang said the announcement by the Independent Consumer and Competition Commission (ICCC) was for fares throughout Lae city to increase to K1 only. He said the previous bus fare within the city imposed by the ICCC used to be 70t – so the increase now should be by 30t.
Vaibang said despite this, route four buses to nearby PTC, Bumayong and Situm, however, have imposed a K1 increase, instead of 30t.
“Anything that goes against the law is a crime,” he said.
“This (hike) is stealing because this K1 increase was not approved by the ICCC which is the only authority with power to increase and decrease prices.”
The association is one of five associations reporting to the provincial land transport board.
Vaibang said these associations represented the interest of PMV owners, operators and the travelling passengers.
He said due to longer distances, previously route four PMV operators had collectively agreed to charge an additional K1 on their routes to cater for fuel and the vehicle wear and tear expense.
Vaibang said PMV buses had taken advantage of the recent announcement by the ICCC to further increase the price.
He said these new fares should be temporary until the roads undergoing construction open up and fares must be dropped back to what was initially agreed.
Vaibang also called on law enforcing agencies to carry out the laws imposed by authorities such as the ICCC.
The association deputy chairman said transport issues like this were arising because associations were working in isolation.
He called on all route associations to work together, identify issues, bring them up to the transport board who would present issues and concerns to the ICCC to determine the final say.