Taxis and PMVs coming under tighter scrutiny

THE PMV association has called all PMV and taxi operators in the National Capital District to a meeting.
It follows a decision by the association to improve the city’s public transport services before the Asia-Pacific Economic Summit in November.
“Many PMVs and taxis in the city carry passengers without being registered with the association and the Road Traffic Authority,” association president Jack Waso said.
With the support of NCD Metropolitan Superintendent Perou N’Dranou, the association wants all unregistered PMVs and taxis taken off the road for the safety of the travelling public.
The association says that PMVs and taxies should be registered in groups and not individually.
More than 400 PMV buses and 300 taxies are registered with the association. Those who aren’t are illegal.
It was discovered recently that PMV buses in the city were not completing their routes and most were using the wrong plate.
Waso said the safety of women and children, especially, were at risk when buses did not complete their routes. Students were also affected.
Waso hopes all these would change in two weeks when road checks were held to catch unregistered public transport vehicles. Drivers of unregistered vehicles would be charged on the spot.
All public transport drivers should have a class 6 licence and PMV permit, as well as the person collecting the bus fares.
PMV buses and taxis must be registered under the Investments Promotion Authority and the PMV Association to be able to transport people.
The meeting will be held at the Kone Tigers field on Sunday.