BENEFITS OF RUNNING A 'TROTRO' BUSINESS AS A CAR OWNER

Every individual goes into a business with the motive of making profits. However, the nature of running a 'trotro' business may be a bit challenging. It takes an optimistic business man with lots of understanding to undertake such a business.

The owner often has little to do with the day to day affairs of the business. Some owners have multiple vehicles and can be considered some what of an unofficial 'trotro' company. The owner will employ a driver or several drivers who are certified. It is then up to the driver to find a conductor or a 'mate' who is in charge of collecting the fares from passengers and calling out for passengers.


The car owner instructs the drivers as to which route to ply in other to get better patronage and also make profit. In most cases, the car is registered under the bus terminal of that jurisdiction to ply a specific route. It is often at the station that the owner is informed of the fixed market sales that the type of bus can make in a day.

I had a chat with one Police officer who is into the 'trotro' business who confessed that 'trotro' business is one of the profitable transport investments that have escaped foreign investors for many years. He told a story about how he had seen this business opportunity and went for it. Back then, he was two steps below the rank he currently holds, meaning, he had more spare time to manage a side business and still provide service to the citizens of the country. He took a loan from the Bank and purchased an 18 seater bus. Five years later, he owned 8 of the 18 seater buses due to the much attention he paid to the business which has made him successful.

He has now been promoted to a higher rank which takes much of his time and has therefore hired a driver to manage the vehicles. He stressed on hiring a trust worthy person to manage the business because most drivers are cunning and may run down your business for you if attention is not paid to it. I went on further to ask him if he is encountering any loss or challenges, he said, sometimes he encounters difficulties but the profits and benefits outweigh the loss and he is very happy to have ventured such a business.
His story is one of many that have tried hand on the business and ripped the fruits.