By Feni Hiveluah
The Namibia Public Passenger Transport Association (NPPTA) secretary general Nathan Africa has urged long-distance commuters and drivers to work together and accept the implementation of increased transport fares.
This follows concerns raised by long-distance drivers and commuters after the Ministry of Mines and Energy announced a 15 percent increase in taxi fares, effective from 18 May 2026.
Africa said the increase in fares was not only driven by rising fuel prices, but also by growing vehicle maintenance costs, which have left the industry with little choice but to adjust tariffs.
“We know and understand the dilemma faced by commuters, but just as food prices increase and people are forced to adapt, commuters will also need to adjust, no matter how difficult it may be,” Africa said.
According to Africa, the association has suppressed fare increases for a long period, despite the financial pressure on operators. He noted that fares were temporarily increased during the Covid-19 pandemic before being reduced again, but added that the sharp rise in oil prices after the pandemic has continued to negatively affect the transport industry.
“NPPTA understands the concerns of commuters travelling daily between Okahandja and Windhoek, as well as Windhoek and Rehoboth, because of illegal sedan vehicles operating on those routes.”
According to Africa: “Public transport has become so disorganised that legal operators are frustrated and no longer know where to turn. The ministry has already made it clear that illegal transport operators will be dealt with seriously.”
Since 18 May, long-distance drivers operating between Windhoek and Okahandja have increased fares from N$80 to N$90 per trip, while monthly transport contributions have risen to about N$1,800.
In Rehoboth, fares per trip have increased from N$50 to N$70, with monthly transport payments now standing at around N$2,000.
Africa added that the 15 percent increase remains insufficient to sustain long-distance operators. He said illegal competition from drivers without public driving per- mits (PDPs) continues to place immense pressure on legal operators, and called on government and law enforcement agencies to intensify efforts against illegal transportation.
Meanwhile, commuters say the fare increases are placing additional pressure on already strained household budgets.
Amanda Goases, who has been commuting between Windhoek and Okahandja for more than 10 years, said most of her salary already goes towards rent, food, and utility expenses. She added that every fuel increase takes an even larger share of her income, leaving her with almost nothing by month-end.
She said she would now have to cut back on several household expenses in order to cope with rising transport costs.
“We buy less meat, fewer household items, and sometimes even postpone buying electricity. Transport comes first because if I can- not get to work, there is no income,” Goases said.
Rehoboth resident Desmond Coetzee said rising transport costs have forced him to reduce spending on household essentials. He said commuters travelling to Windhoek now pay N$70 per trip, while weekday commuters are charged up to N$2,500 per month.
“Although public transport prices have increased, my salary has remained the same. I now have to cut expenses on groceries, clothes, shoes, electricity, and entertainment activities. I am not happy about this,” Coetzee said.
