Pioneer Easy Bus Company set to quit

By Taddeo Bwambale

KAMPALA - Pioneer Easy Bus company has announced it is likely to end its operations, following a standoff with the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) and Government over its contract terms.

In  a press notice, the bus company revealed that the failure to build bus lanes and stops along city roads had led it to consider suspending its operations or charging fares like other operators.

"The management of Pioneer Easy Bus therefore regrets to inform the public that effective Monday, 19th November 2012, Pioneer will not be in position to offer its services at the hitherto subsidized rates and thus our only options are to suspend our bus operations or charge for its services just like any service provider in the industry until such a time when Government/KCCA fulfills its contractual obligations," read part of a statement signed by Fred Senoga, the company's managing director.

The bus company started operations on March 12, taking advantage of a strike by taxi operators over the sh120, 000 monthly dues charged by KCCA.

Passengers have enjoyed lower fares charged by the buses, compared to those charged by taxis, which dominate the city's public transport.