Julia Rwigamba

Public Transport

Stranded Travellers Seek Alternatives as Bus Terminals Overflow

In the northern regions of Namibia, numerous travellers found themselves stranded at bus terminals, desperately seeking transportation options to reach their intended destinations.

Faced with an overwhelming number of individuals in search of buses since the previous Friday, many resorted to camping and sleeping at the terminals in the hope of securing seats on the limited available buses.

Unfortunately, their efforts proved futile as most buses were already operating at full capacity, unable to meet the high demand for transportation services. This surge in travellers heading back to their workplaces before the imminent reopening of schools created an unprecedented strain on the available transport options.

Among those affected was Aune Shithigona, who had been sleeping at a service station in Oshakati for three consecutive days, desperately attempting to secure a bus to Windhoek, where she worked as a cleaner. Sharing her frustration, she expressed, "We came rushing here hoping to get space on the train, but when we got here we found so many people queued up already. It's frustrating because there are no buses, or bus drivers will tell you they are only attending to those who made reservations early."

Regrettably, due to the shortage of transportation by bus from the north, Shithigona, like many others, anticipated missing work during the upcoming week. She lamented, "I was supposed to start work on Monday, but clearly I will have to miss some days until I can secure transportation back to Windhoek."

The situation further deteriorated as bus drivers began taking advantage of desperate travellers by charging exorbitant fares. Natangwe Eliakim highlighted this issue, stating, "Bus drivers are now charging us N$600 to Windhoek, which is way too high. Where will I get such money to pay for a trip? This is pure madness. I was hoping to get space on the train, but the train is also full to capacity. I'm disappointed, really."

Ordinarily, bus tickets from central northern Namibia to Windhoek cost N$350 per passenger, while train tickets are priced at N$200 per passenger. Faced with these exorbitant rates and limited availability, stranded travellers in Oshakati and Ondangwa have been left with no alternative but to resort to sleeping at bus terminals, desperately hoping to secure seats on the next available bus.

As the shortage of transportation persists, travellers in the northern regions of Namibia continue to face significant challenges in their attempts to reach their destinations. The need for a sustainable solution has become more pressing than ever, as the current circumstances disrupt the lives and livelihoods of countless individuals relying on efficient transport systems.

Public Transport News

Julia Rwigamba is a vibrant content creator, blogger, and transport and logistics enthusiast. With a passion for creating engaging and informative content.

Julia's content covers a wide range of topics, including the latest advancements in transportation technology, sustainable logistics practices, and the impact of globalization on supply chains.

Written by Julia Rwigamba

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