Online Reporter
Peter Matika, Zimpapers Writer
SOME unscrupulous commuter public transport operators in Bulawayo have indiscriminately hiked fares, capitalising on increased demand during the festive season, attracting the ire of residents.
The fares, which are officially pegged at R10 per trip on most city routes, have reportedly been increased to between US$1 and US$2, leaving many commuters stranded or struggling to travel to and from work, particularly during peak morning and evening hours.
The sudden and unregulated fare increases, which commuters say have become commonplace in recent weeks, have sparked outrage among residents who rely heavily on kombis and pirate taxis for daily travel within the city.
“I leave home with money for transport calculated in rands, which is what we usually pay. Sadly, when you get to the kombis, they suddenly say it’s US$1 or US$2, especially in the evening. If you don’t have it, you are left behind,” said
Ms Nomsa Moyo of Montrose suburb.
Another commuter, Mr Sipho Ndlovu of Cowdray Park, said some operators deliberately take advantage of peak-hour demand.
“They know people are desperate to get home after work, so they increase fares without warning. There is no justification for charging US$2 for short distances within town,” he said.
Bulawayo, like other major cities, typically experiences increased commuter traffic during the festive season as schools close, industries shut down and residents travel to and from shopping centres and transport hubs.
In previous years, authorities and transport associations have repeatedly warned operators against arbitrary fare hikes, stressing that fares are regulated and meant to protect commuters, particularly low-income earners. Despite these warnings, festive periods have often been characterised by fare disputes, with operators citing high demand and rising operational costs.
Tshova Mubaiwa Association spokesperson Mr Ndaba Mabunda said the conduct of some operators was unacceptable and tarnished the image of the public transport sector.
“We strongly condemn this behaviour by some public transport operators who are taking advantage of commuters. Hiking fares from the official fare of R10 to US$1 or even US$2 is exploitative and unjustified,” he said.
Mr Mabunda said the association advocates for fair, transparent and affordable transport services and does not support arbitrary fare increases.
“As an association, we encourage our members to operate within agreed and reasonable fare structures. Transport is a public service, and operators must act responsibly and with empathy for the communities they serve,” he said.
Bulawayo United Residents Association (Bura) chairman Mr Winos Dube also expressed concern, describing the fare hikes as an assault on already struggling households.
“This is daylight robbery. Residents are already grappling with high living costs, and transport operators hiking fares without consultation only worsen the situation,” he said.
Mr Dube urged city authorities, transport regulators and law enforcement agencies to intensify monitoring and enforce fare regulations.
“There must be clear, enforced guidelines on fares, and operators who defy them should face penalties. Residents should also report such cases so that action can be taken,” he said.
Meanwhile, some transport operators defended the increases, citing rising operating costs, vehicle maintenance challenges and poor road conditions during the rainy season. However, registered operators have previously distanced themselves from unregulated fare hikes, stressing that public transport is a critical service that must remain accessible to all residents.
