The initiative is said to be a response to the ban aimed at mitigating the use of motorcycles in acts of robbery and other criminal activities in the capital.
Balubet, a ride and delivery service company involving motorcycle businesses, launched a new service bringing together more than 700 motorists and owners under 13 different associations from various corners of the city. The initiative is said to be a response to the ban aimed at mitigating the use of motorcycles in acts of robbery and other criminal activities in the capital. The ban was imposed on June 19, 2019, by Deputy Mayor Takele Uma. The embargo put hundreds of these motorists and owners out of business for more than six months. To resume service, the motorcyclists formed associations and installed GPS trackers on the motorcycles to monitor their movement and speed. Motorists are obliged to comply with safety standards by using protective equipment for both travelers and themselves and maintain the speed limit to avoid serious injuries due to accidents. Only half of the 45,000 motorcycles in the city have secured a license plate from the city’s Transport Authority.