Madang pushes bus fares

 By JAYNE SAFIHAO
THE Madang Land Transport Board has increased bus or PMV fares.
The decision, which took effect last week, had commuters and bus crews at logger heads over new charges.
For those commuting within the town area, an increase of only 10 toea has been imposed.
Going further out of town towards Sagalau, the K1 fare has increased by 20 toea, with a K1-K2 being added to longer distance fares.
Yati Donatus, from Tangu village, in Bogia, said the two-hour drive from the station used to cost K5. That has gone up to K7.
The journey from the other side of Madang to his has jumped from K25 to K30.
The buses running the South coast route of 13a-f have been given their new fares.
Town to Hudini will now be K2 with commuters from the Utu area, which is the furthest, to pay K7.
Many who complained about the increase said it was not much but awareness should have been carried out.
Many school children stopped cars and buses last week to protest against the new charges but now seem to be more accepting.
Michael Sabou, the transport board officer in charge, said: “The norm is to have a review of fares and then a raise can be given pending a national government decision, but we have decided since bus drivers protested repeatedly for a raise.
“We are only putting on 10 toea extra,” he said.