The Mozambican government has introduced natural gas-powered buses as part of measures to ease pressure on commuters in the face of soaring transport costs.
Mozambican President Daniel Chapo on Monday handed over 190 natural gas‑powered buses to the Greater Maputo Metropolitan Area, saying the new fleet is intended to ease pressure on commuters as soaring fuel prices drive up transport costs and trigger widespread service disruptions.
The buses, which will serve Maputo, Matola, Boane and Marracuene, are expected to benefit an estimated 2.8 million commuters.
Chapo said the deployment was designed to reinforce the public transport system and prevent commuters from paying double fares after being forced to switch vehicles mid‑journey.
He also announced that the government would subsidise student fares to ensure young people travel “at reduced costs and with greater safety,” adding that dignified transport was essential for economic inclusion.
The intervention comes amid a deepening transport crisis following recent fuel price increases that have sparked protests by minibus‑taxi drivers demanding higher fares.
JN/APA