adminNesia Mhaka Herald Reporter
Bus operators yesterday expressed concern over false messages circulating on social media that are affecting their business.
Operators interviewed at Mbare Musika and Harare Showgrounds pick-up points said there were false stories circulating that they had hiked fares when hey had not.
Mr Tendai Mudarikwa said they were shocked to read that buses that ply the Harare-Bulawayo route had hiked fares from $50 to $120.
“This is not true. The rumours started circulating last week when there was speculation that the price of fuel was going up again.
“We only increased our bus fare from RTGS$30 from Harare to Bulawayo to RTGS$50 after fuel went up to $4,89,” he said.
“The exaggerated messages on social media have caused a run on our businesses and since then we have been trying to woo back passengers.
“As you can see, business is low. There are a few people coming through yet prior to this we had been getting a lot of traffic.”
Another operator, Mr Jairos Machafa, who plies the Harare to Masvingo route, confirmed that social media messages had adversely affected their business.
He urged the public to ignore the messages.
“Last week a number motorists went into panic after messages alleging that fuel had been increased from about $4,97 a litre to $8 a litre started circulating.
“Later we realised that it was all a social media hoax but the damage had already been done,” he said.
He added that on Tuesday they were forced to cancel a trip after failing to get passengers.
“We have cancelled a trip because few people were coming. It does not make economic sense for us to travel to Gutu with only a few people,” he said.
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