The National Capital District Commission is working towards making public transport systems betelnut free.
A joint meeting between concerned parties was held this week.
City Manager Bernard Kipit and representatives from the Road Traffic Authority spelled out to the operators of public buses the Betel-Nut Free Bus and Taxi Regulation that will be enforced by the end of July.
Under this regulation, commuters or passengers of public transport system will be prohibited from chewing betelnut, eating (any food) and drinking (soft drinks especially) while on board the buses and taxis.
This regulation will be enforced with the intent to address betelnut chewing-related littering.
“So that you do your part, we do our part and everybody else does their part and we will be able to keep the city clean and liveable,” said City Manager Kipit.
The operators, drivers and crew members have the responsibility to warn their passengers not to chew betelnut on the buses and taxis.
Failure on their part will attract penalty equally for the driver and crew while any taxi and PMV bus driver and crew found chewing while driving will have their taxis and buses impounded.
Penalties for passengers chewing on board buses and taxis will also apply.
“As of 1st of June displa yia, spot fine igo antap long K500-K1000 sapos ol ketsim yu kaikai buai long bus and taxi,” added Herman Wakia from Road Transport Authority.
President of the Port Moresby PMV Association, Jack Waso, welcomed this announcement and added the implementing agencies have the association’s support.