malvernmugadzikwa
Emmanuel Kafe
LARGE bus operators are preparing to meet increased demand following new restrictions on commuter omnibus operating distances.
Government last week reviewed the radius-based restrictions for commuter omnibuses from the 120 kilometres to 60 km, saying the move will improve road safety.
This change confines commuter omnibuses to urban and peri-urban routes, while buses with a capacity exceeding 26 passengers will handle long distances.
Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona told The Sunday Mail that the new policy measure is necessary to protect passengers and improve road safety.
“This is one of the many robust policies, regulatory and administrative mechanisms being adopted to improve the country’s road safety regime.
“All inspection officers should adhere to this law and ensure that no kombi operator, driver or owner is issued with a certificate of fitness unless both speed and monitoring devices were fitted to the kombis,” he said.
Government, Minister Mhona said, has engaged law-enforcement agents to fully enforce the ban.
He said buses are more predictable and offer better service than commuter omnibuses on long-distance routes.
Zimbabwe Passenger Transport Organisation (ZPTO) chairperson Mr Sam Nhanhanga yesterday said there will be no transport shortages on routes affected by the new measures.
“There won’t be a transport crisis, as our members have enough buses to meet demand on longer routes. We are ready to step up; we have enough buses that are compliant with traffic laws. We held a meeting with our members to discuss strategies for avoiding transport disruptions in light of the new regulations. We will also hold another meeting on Sunday (today) to thrash out all issues.”
ZPTO, Mr Nhanhanga said, has since increased the number of buses on all routes affected by the new regulations.
“We aim to expand our route network to encompass more rural and underserved communities. We are developing a contingency plan to address potential capacity constraints and service disruptions during peak periods or special events.”
Bus operators have also undertaken to implement a cocktail of measures to prevent accidents.
“We will ensure 100 percent compliance with speed limiting and monitoring devices on all buses, whether under our association or not.
“We will also enhance driver training programmes, focusing on defensive driving and efficient route management. A robust maintenance schedule will be implemented to prevent breakdowns and ensure all buses remain roadworthy,” he said.
“ZPTO also plans to utilise a real-time bus tracking system, allowing for better monitoring of bus locations, speeds and schedules. All bus ranks will have breathalysers to detect drunk drivers, who often put the lives of passengers at risk.
“A customer feedback system will be established to monitor service quality and facilitate data-driven improvements.”
Greater Harare Association of Commuter Omnibuses chairperson Mr Ngonidzashe Katsvairo said they had been blind-sided by the new measures.
“We are consulting with all our stakeholders to develop a concrete plan. Once finalised, we will seek an audience with the Government to work towards a win-win situation,” he said.
According to the Zimbabwe Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe (TSCZ), the country has been experiencing a worrying rise in road traffic accidents over the past three years.
In 2020, Zimbabwe recorded 35 560 accidents, 1 520 deaths and 6 920 injuries.
The number of accidents increased in 2021 (45 791), with 1 902 deaths and 8 711 injuries.
In 2022, over 2 067 people lost their lives in 51107 road accidents, with 10 401 injuries.
As of the first nine months of 2023, over 1 500 fatalities were recorded from more than 38 400 accidents nationwide.
The TSCZ reports an average of 4 250 accidents occurring every month across the country.
It also estimates that Zimbabwe loses over US$400 million annually in costs related to road traffic accidents.
Online Reporter