Tana project a welcome development

The Monitor Editor | Tuesday November 3, 2026 10:46

Whilst the project received mixed reactions from members of the public, the project is indeed a welcome development, which needs to be implemented as soon as possible. Many shared their opinion, with those against the project decrying that if implemented, it will kill the already struggling public transport industry.

Many countries around the world have state-run public transport, and those who have travelled to such countries will give testimony that the system works seamlessly. The buses have time slots, and those who rely on public transport to and from work know the times their buses pass their bus stop and their times of arrival. The bus system is run professionally, with fewer complaints compared to a privately run transport system. We all know that currently in our country, complaints about public transport are the order of the day.

Whilst some public transport drivers and conductors offer excellent service, there are those who care very little about customer care and satisfaction. Many people have complained that combis and buses that are not roadworthy are being used to transport passengers; not only that, some are so worn out that even the shortest trip becomes very uncomfortable. Many passengers in the past have complained about injuries/clothes being torn whilst getting into or getting out of combis.

Other passengers have raised concern about the behaviour of certain operators who are in the habit of driving off before taking a seat, posing a danger to passengers. A few years back, there was an article about an old woman who was forcefully removed by the bus driver in the middle of nowhere at around 9pm, just because she complained about his overspeeding!

Whilst the Tana project may not necessarily solve everything, it is indeed a step in the right direction. Passenger safety will most definitely improve, as will reliability and efficiency.

It is a cherry on top that the Botswana Bus Operators Association (BBOA) is backing the project, having been offered a 35% stake in the Tana Botswana project.

BBOA Chairperson Tirafalo Mponang told The Monitor: “We managed to attend to the piloting, and I want to say that this is a good bus like any other bus. “It has got its own driver. There are no health hazards on it just because it's electric, and it can cut your costs as an operator.”

Commuters can now look forward to a transport system that will perhaps be friendlier to their pockets, whilst considering their safety.