Online transport services in capital 'unauthorised'

Public transport in Namibia’s capital remains a major challenge for many residents.According to feedback from a recent visit by Swakopmund’s local authority, conducted to study Windhoek’s approach to public transport, the capital’s municipal bus service is struggling to meet demand.Swakopmund’s findings were presented during the town council’s special meeting on 26 June.Despite Windhoek’s Sustainable Urban Transport Master Plan (SUTMP), which brought buses worth N$3.4 million each onto the streets, operational issues have hampered the service in recent years.The visit revealed that only 22 out of Windhoek’s fleet of 56 buses are currently operational. The report noted: “This reduced capacity has a major impact on the reliability of the service and public confidence in it.”Additionally, Windhoek’s bus service only runs between certain residential, commercial and industrial areas, and only during peak hours; there is no service after working hours or on weekends.A feasibility study was conducted in 2011 with funding from Germany and completed in 2012. This informed a 20-year plan, estimated at over N$700 million, with N$59 million already spent on initial studies and implementation.Declining passenger numbersAnnual passenger numbers have dropped significantly, from 3.31 million to just 59444, according to Swakopmund’s report. However, students, pensioners and domestic workers reportedly remain regular users of the service.The Windhoek Municipality stated that 25 to 30 buses are currently in operation, covering 30 routes across seven lines between 05:30 and 17:30 from Monday to Saturday. In May alone, 102 106 passengers were recorded.Municipal spokesperson Lydia Amutenya confirmed that existing bus and taxi services fall short of meeting the city’s growing demand, particularly during peak hours. She explained that all public transport within Windhoek’s boundaries must be authorised by the municipality.In addition to buses, the city issues permits for minibuses, shuttles, towing services and taxi operators. City Police confirmed that over 7 000 taxi licences are currently registered, with 363 due for renewal.Ride-hailing services not yet legalSeveral ride-hailing apps, including Yango, InDriver, Dial-a-Cab and Lefa, operate in Windhoek, but are doing so without official authorisation.“They must obtain authorisation from the City Council to operate legally within Windhoek,” Amutenya said. “Currently, these operators are not authorised and their services are considered illegal.”She added that consultations with stakeholders are under way to help guide operators through the compliance process. Meanwhile, City Police can issue fines of up to N$1 000, impound vehicles, or take legal action.With Windhoek’s population nearing the half-million mark, the need for affordable, efficient urban transport is becoming urgent, particularly for lower-income residents.All of this sets the stage for the Urban Mobility Conference taking place on 10 July at the Windhoek Country Club . The event, hosted by the municipality, will bring together stakeholders from government, the private sector, academia and civil society to discuss inclusive and sustainable transport systems. – augetto@nmh-hub.com.na

Online transport services in capital 'unauthorised'

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Republikein 2026-05-01

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Online transport services in capital 'unauthorised'

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