Meri Seif buses not always a free ride

National

Meri Seif buses are registered PMV buses permitted to charge fares, according to Ginigoada Business Development Foundation operations manager Philip Priesley.
He said they had been allowed by the Road Transport Authority (RTA) and Independent Consumer Competition Commission (ICCC) to charge fares when picking up passengers.
“We are not charging too much,” Priesley said.
“It is only K1 that can take you all around the city of Port Moresby through our designated routes.
“We have a total of 10 buses.
“Six of four buses are charging fares but the other four are providing bus services for free to the women.”
Priesley was responding to concerns raised by the public that some of the buses were donated to the foundation by the National Capital District Commission and should not charge fares.
He said the service was provided by UN Women and paid for by donor organisations.
As a commercial entity they had to charge fares.
“We are a separate entity from the National Capital District Commission, but we are operating our buses out of their bay while we look for a better place of our own to keep our buses,” Priesley said.
The UN Women and Ginigoada Foundation are running the safe public transport programme for women with funding from the Australian government.
In 2013, the foundation launched its free bus service for women and girls.
It started with two buses and has now grown to 10.
Meri Seif buses provide a safe environment in which women and girls can travel without being molested or abused.
Priesley said as they attempt to ensure the safety of our women and girls in the city, it should as a commercial entity charge fees for the servicing and continuous operations of the buses.
The buses not only provide safe transportation for women but also raises awareness on issues such as livelihood opportunities and violence.
The buses serve the routes starting at the 4-Mile TST, 5-Mile, 6-Mile, Saraga, New Taurama Road, Vada Vada, Manu, Mahuru village, Sabama, Joyce Bay, Kaugere, Badili, 2-Mile, Murray Barracks and back to 4-Mile.