Presenting the petition, association secretary general Gosata Miti said the transport operators have been suffering since the new bus rank was opened on October 27. He explained that the rank is too small to accommodate all the taxis and combis that operate in Maun. He also noted that the only shelter at the rank is on the side of buses but the taxis' section has none.
Miti said there is need for a shelter because of soaring temperatures experienced in Maun. "High temperatures are a risk to our health, as rank workers, including our customers. During the rainy season our business will be doomed as it will be difficult for customers to reach us," he said.
Miti observed that there are no gates for passengers and their absence threatens their customer's access into the rank. He mentioned that because of lack of accessibility into the rank, customers may resort to using unlicensed transport. He mentioned that the traffic police have resolved to arresting taxi and combi operators who drop off customers on the side where long distance buses park. He stated that the situation may lead to customers concluding that taxis are useless especially when one is carrying heavy luggage. Miti added that it is not the right time for the new rank to be used because of the road structure. He mentioned that there is no legal stop from the circle and that puts them at risk of being arrested when they drop off customers.
