NCDC resumes free bus service

THE National Capital District Commission will continue to provide a free school bus service in the city for an indefinite period.
The commission this week confirmed that school buses were operating on two official routes – one from Gerehu to Boroko, Town and Badihagwa and the second doing the reverse route in the afternoons.  
Governor Powes Parkop had directed an extension while awaiting approval from the Department of Transport and Independent Consumer and Competition Commission on fares students would have to pay. 
“We wish to inform the public that NCDC cannot continue the free service forever.
“So NCDC has commercialised the operation of all our buses and outsourced the management to the 14-Mile Smash Doctor,” city manager Leslie Alu said in a statement.
The two buses were bought in 2010 by  NCDC to help school children reach school in time because the main bus stops were crowded, making it difficult for students to reach their them on time.
Alu said a stand-by bus was taken to help in the operation as one of the two buses had a mechanical problem and was under repair.
He said NCDC was not trying to provide an alternate transport service in the city but simply helping students get to school on time and back home.
“We deployed a standby bus to replace the one under repair and they are running in opposite directions in the afternoons.
“Pending approval, Parkop has permitted free rides until a later date,” Alu said.