Commuter omnibus operators were yesterday forced to reduce
their fares following the introduction of conventional buses mobilised by the
Government to ferry passengers in and around Harare. Commuters in Harare and
Bulawayo slammed kombi operators for exploiting them, with some people calling
for their immediate ban.
The buses are being coordinated by the Zimbabwe United
Passenger Company (ZUPCO).
They started ferrying passengers as early as 5am yesterday,
bringing relief to commuters who were being charged extortionate fares for a
rough ride in commuter omnibuses.
Kombis were yesterday trying to reduce their fares to match
those charged by the conventional ZUPCO buses.
Commuters from Chitungwiza and Norton are paying $1.50 and
$2 for a bus trip, respectively. It is a dollar for the rest of the shorter routes. Kombis
were charging $2 for shorter distances.
For a trip to Chitungwiza and Norton, they demanded as much
as $8. The conventional buses are using their traditional terminuses,
displacing the unreliable kombis.
The kombis are now using illegal pick-up points in the
city. Zupco acting chief operating officer Mr Everisto Madangwa said the buses
had been well-received by the commuting public.
“We went in as a relief to residents who were being
overcharged. They have shown appreciation and they are shunning kombis in
favour of our buses which are secured,” he said.
Former Zupco chief executive Mr Bright Matonga said the
introduction of the buses was a brilliant idea which was long overdue.
“The introduction of a mass transport system was long
overdue. It is a welcome development not only to passengers but it will help in
reducing the fuel bill. Harare alone requires 500 buses, Bulawayo 150 to 200,
Gweru, Mutare, Masvingo and other smaller towns require 60 buses each,” he
said.
“For Bulawayo and other cities, the buses should service
peak hours, that is from 5am to 9.30am and thereafter be deployed to peri-urban
areas. For a bus to be viable, it must cash in $1 200 plus a day.”
He said the figure covers salaries and key service filters,
oils and tyres. Mr Matonga said Government needs to subsidise fuel
requirements. He said Zupco requires at least 1 500 buses.
“It will also need cross border buses so as to raise
foreign currency for spares and tyres,” added Mr Matonga.
Greater Harare Association of Commuter Operators secretary
general Mr Ngoni Katsvairo said competition was healthy as passengers emerge
the winners.
“Competition is healthy and the passenger will be the
biggest winner as fares go down. We are pleading with Government to expedite
availability of fuel and the rebate system for passenger vehicles as this is
the only way that will keep fares at affordable levels while keeping our
business open and afloat,” he said.
“Kombis employ a big number of people and will always need
Government support to keep those jobs afloat.”
Passengers yesterday hailed the introduction of
conventional buses by Government. Mr James Kapeta said the move by Government
shows its commitment to deal with the problems being faced by the country.
“People should learn to be patient for improvements to be
felt. Things cannot be fixed overnight but I can tell you if we are patient we
will get what we yearn for. Such initiatives like the ZUPCO buses show that
Government is alive to the challenges being faced by the population,” he said.
“Government wants people to be happy but people are just
panicking. We are happy that the buses are affordable and will help us to get
to work,” he said.
Mr Moses Chigova thanked Government for the buses saying they
would cushion workers from high fares.
“We thank Government for the initiative. It has enabled us
to come to work. Kombis were charging extortionate fares,” he said.
Mr Abel Mutanda said, “It is a good programme by
Government. I hope they will also move to other sectors because the cost of living
is very high. We cannot afford basic things.”
Ms Charity Sanyanga implored Government to increase the
number of buses.
“Government has done well by introducing these buses. They
should increase the number of the buses because they are helping communities.
Imagine I paid $2,50 in the morning, that is $5 because I was taking my child
to the clinic. I am relieved that now I will pay $2 because the buses are
charging $1,” she said. Herald
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