Drivers hail mass transport system

Talent Chimutambgi Herald Reporter
Drivers, under the auspices of the National Transport Drivers’ Association (NTDA), have welcomed the gesture by Government to introduce mass public transport, as commuters were being forced to pay exorbitant fares.

NTDA president Mrs Jotina Matanhire said Government had shown that it had the people at heart by rescuing the public from “greed” commuter omnibus operators, who were hiking fares willy-nilly.

“The public has overwhelmingly welcomed the Government’s intervention to rescue commuters who have been treated unfairly by public transporters and suffered various abuses, which include unfair bus fare hikes, among others,” she said.

NTDA is an association of drivers who are committed to promoting cordial relations between themselves and commuters.

“We want to express optimism over the position taken by Government in mitigating the plight of the people in terms of the fares, as far as transport is concerned,” said Mrs Matanhire. “The intervention of the Government in relation to fares is very fair.

“We, as an organisation of seasoned drivers, have noted a positive response in the introduction of mass public transport as various sections welcomed the gesture.”

A fortnight ago, the Government, through the Zimbabwe United Passenger Company (ZUPCO), launched the Urban Mass Transport System, charging a dollar for lon all urban routes and a maximum of $2 for extra-urban routes.

The increase in fuel prices saw some commuter operators charging up to $5 for local trips in Harare.