By Ollus Ndomu
Hundreds of passengers are stranded at InterCity Bus Terminal in the capital, Lusaka, as bus operators halt services in protest against the Road Transport and Safety Agency’s (RTSA) suspension of Juldan Motorways’ Road Service Licence.
The strike has paralyzed operations at key bus terminals in Lusaka, Kasama, and Chipata, with passengers scrambling to find alternative transportation.
RTSA imposed a three-month suspension on Juldan Motorways over non-compliance with GPS installation requirements and violations of a night driving ban, a regulation tightened following a fatal accident on October 15 that claimed four lives and injured 29 others.
The authority said the suspension aimed to enhance public safety, but bus operators argue the penalties are disproportionate.
“The strike is against the unfair treatment of Juldan Motors, Road Force, and other bus operators,” a source told local media. Operators claim even minor accidents without fatalities result in license suspensions, which threaten their businesses. Three other operators reportedly face similar punitive measures.
At Lusaka’s InterCity terminal, buses scheduled to depart at 05:00hrs remain parked, and the scene is echoed in Chipata and Kasama.
Stranded passengers expressed frustration, with many pointing to the lack of immediate government intervention to resolve the standoff.
Local media reports highlight growing tension between the government and transport operators, who demand a review of RTSA’s policies. Critics accuse the agency of enforcing regulations without considering operational challenges faced by bus companies.
The strike has amplified calls for balance between public safety measures and the survival of transport businesses.
Some passengers interviewed by Zambian outlets expressed sympathy for operators, while others criticized the disruption caused to travel plans.
