In a statement signed by the Secretary General, Alfredo Mkandawire the Association says nothing has changed on the passenger service regulations to warrant increase of fares.

The statement says in 2007 government enforced the official capacity of minibuses and the Minibus Owners Association of Malawi – MOAM asked for an increase in order to cover the change from 4 to 3 persons per row capacity. It says since then it is illegal for a minibus to carry 4 persons on each row and all fares are based on this capacity.

The statement further says MOAM Secretary General conceded to the fact on television last Friday when he disassociated the Association from the illegal strike staged by minibus drivers and conductors.

The statement further says the Passenger Welfare Association of Malawi therefore finds no basis for fare increase. It says the Association is therefore surprised that following the illegal strike, minibus operators and big bus operators have increased fares on some routes.

The Association has therefore requested all Passenger Service operators who increased fares to revert to fares before the illegal strike. The Association is also calling upon all passengers in Malawi to resist this increase and board only passenger vehicles that have not increased fares.