FEMATRO guarantees normal operation of minibuses and rejects fare increases in Maputo

The Mozambican Federation of Road Transport Associations (FEMATRO) ruled out, this Tuesday, any possibility of a strike in the urban semi-collective transport sector and guaranteed that there will be no immediate increase in fares in the city of Maputo.

The statement comes at a time when information was circulating about a possible strike by transport operators and a potential review of prices charged to passengers, a situation that generated concern among users who depend daily on "chapas" (minibuses) to get around the country's capital.

Speaking to the press, representatives from FEMATRO clarified that the subsidy recently announced by the Government is aimed at duly licensed owners and transporters, and not at drivers, contradicting interpretations that were fueling misinformation within the sector.

The federation stressed that, despite the difficulties faced by operators, particularly related to increased operating costs, there is no directive to suspend services or to change the current tariffs.

However, FEMATRO acknowledges that some vehicles did not operate on certain routes throughout the day, allegedly due to intimidation and fear on the part of some drivers, as well as fuel shortages reported at some gas stations in and around the city.

Nevertheless, the organization assures that most semi-collective transport services continue to operate normally, guaranteeing passenger transport on the main roads of Maputo city and surrounding areas.

FEMATRO also appealed for calm among operators and passengers, asking that information not be disseminated without official confirmation, in order to avoid alarmism and disruptions to the functioning of the public transport system.

In recent months, transporters have been expressing concern about rising operating costs, particularly fuel, vehicle maintenance, and the purchase of spare parts, factors that continue to put pressure on the sector's sustainability.

Despite this, the federation reaffirms that it maintains dialogue with the Government to find solutions that will minimize the economic impact on operators without harming passengers, especially in a context marked by the high cost of living