KCCA finally takes over city taxi parks

KCCA officials promised that the take-over would lead to an improvement in the state of the taxi parks and the service enjoyed by commuters, financed by a monthly user-fee of Shs155,000 per taxi. “With this money we shall work on roads, the drainage system, street lights and both taxi parks,” KCCA spokesman Peter Kaujju said yesterday. “Our engineering department started work on Monday to analyse the state of the carpet [sic] in the new taxi park.”

Estimates show that Utoda was collecting over Shs1 billion from an estimated 7,000 commuter taxis but was required to remit Shs390 million to KCCA per month, often missing payments for several months.

Utoda’s departure is expected to pave the way for the introduction of buses to carry more passengers and decongest the city. The first fleet of 100 buses belonging to Pioneer Easy Bus Company recently arrived at Mombasa Port after delays.

Buses, taxis to operate together

KCCA commissioned the bus company to take over the major transport routes in Kampala and operate alongside commuter taxis most of which are privately owned by individuals in the short-term.

“Buses and taxis will all operate within the city. There is no plan whatsoever to kick out taxis although we have a long-term plan we are yet to unveil,” Mr Kaujju said.

Daily Monitor