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Samantha Dube, Sunday News Reporter
COMMUTER omnibuses in parts of Bulawayo have embraced the use of plastic money with travellers paying fares using EcoCash.
A number of kombis that service routes from the city centre to Cowdray Park, Luveve, Pumula South and Nkulumane have since June been accepting payment via EcoCash.
Thompson Siwela, a driver plying the City-Luveve route said they were responding to the business climate which has since been characterised by cash shortages.
“I do allow passengers to pay through EcoCash. We cannot leave people behind because they do not have cash. We all know we have cash problems in the country but residents have money in their bank cards as well as EcoCash accounts. I do not mind the form of payment as long as passengers pay,’’ he said.
Another driver from Pumula South, Wellington Sibanda, said they use money from EcoCash payments to buy fuel and other accessories.
“There is one company that sells fuel that accepts EcoCash and we go there to buy fuel. Things will be much better if all service stations accept all forms of plastic money. But it is a few of us who accept EcoCash because most kombis still demand cash,” he said.
Siphiwe Ndlovu, a vendor from Entumbane, praised kombis for accepting plastic money.
“It is a good thing and I think all kombis should do the same. We now buy in shops using bank cards and EcoCash and those in the transport business should also come on board,” she said.
Bongani Ndlovu