Zupco bus and kombi fares doubled yesterday to cover rising
costs, but are still well below those charged by independent operators.
The last increase was in September last year. Zupco bus fares
to most high density suburbs will now be $2 and to more distant urban
destinations, such as Chitungwiza, are now $3 compared to the minimum of $20
charged by kombis.
The Harare suburban fares charged by franchised kombis have
risen to $4, around half that of independent operators.
Zupco chief executive Mr Evaristo Madangwa said the
increase was “meant to help maintain our reliable, affordable and safe
service.”
Despite the increases, people were still queuing at ranks
and terminuses to use Zupco buses and most described the new fares as
reasonable and fair.
“The increase in fares by Zupco is not having an effect to
our incomes. I was paying $1,50 now I am paying $3 from town to Chitungwiza
where I stay.
“This is extra reasonable considering kombis and other
private buses are charging amounts ranging from $20 to $25 per trip for the
same distance,” said Mr Aaron Munyurwa.
Another commuter Mrs Wadzanai Muchero said the Zupco tap
card facility had made life easy for commuters.
“Zupco is accepting all forms of payment without adding
premiums through the tap card facility, unlike the private bus operators who
are demanding cash, at times forex and up to 35 percent extra on EcoCash
transactions,” she said.
The Zupco subsidised fares are part of Government’s efforts
to provide affordable public transport, which has seen Zupco buses, including
hundreds of franchised kombis, making a mark on most urban routes countrywide.
As part of the commitment to a reliable affordable
transport system, President Mnangagwa has authorised deals with companies in
Belarus and China to supply batches of buses regularly.
The extra charged by the independents varies according to
route, usually being lower on routes where Zupco and its franchises partners
have a higher fraction of the traffic and so offer better competition. Herald
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