adminThe fare increases have seen residents in most high density suburbs in the western part of the city forking out at least US$1 per trip from the usual 50c.
Those travelling to Norton and Chitungwiza are paying as much as US$3 per trip.
The increases were condemned by the Government, the police, commuter associations and the body representing the operators.
Local Government, Rural and Urban Development permament secretary Mr Killian Mupingo said Government was aware of the unilateral increase and was working to address the situation.
“The ministry, through the department of urban planning, is working towards an arrangement with commuter bus operators and is continuously monitoring the extent to which the commuting public is protected,” he said.
Mr Mupingo said the general agreement was that fares for most destinations in the city be at 50c, while longer distances such as Norton and Chitungwiza go for US$1.
Acting National Traffic police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Luckmore Chakanza said it was difficult for the force to enforce fares in the absence of Government gazetted fares.
“While there is a statutory instrument on overcharging, it’s difficult to arrest these commuter bus operators because fares for local transporters are not gazetted by Government,” he said.
Asst Insp Chakanza said they would do their best to change the situation.
“We can only respond when kombi crews take advantage of stranded commuters or change fares during peak hours, once we receive such a report we will make sure those who would have paid exorbitant fares will receive some of their money back,” he said.
Harare Residents Trust director Mr Precious Shumba said the situation was unfair to residents who already had little income at their disposal.
President of the Urban Commuter Operators of Zimbabwe Mr Simbarashe Ngarande said the operators should revert to the old fares while they negotiate with the Government.
He said there was a need for a fare increase following the rise in fuel prices.
“We have urged our members to stop increasing the fares as we are in the process of filing papers with the relevant Government ministry,” said Mr Ngarande.
“Until the papers are approved, operators should not increase the fares.”
Some kombi crews claimed that they increased fares as a means of sourcing funds to pay for their operating licences.
“There is nothing that we can do because police are on our backs for licences and the only way we can pay is if we raise our fares,” said Mr Cosmos Tsikai, a driver plying the City-Budiriro route.
However, most commuters expressed shock at the development.
“I am a civil servant who earns just above US$200 and cannot manage such changes,” said Mrs Tsitsi James from Chitungwiza.
When the Herald visited Copacabana, Market Square and Fourth Street bus terminuses yesterday, kombi crews had boards on their vehicles warning commuters of the fare increases.
Online Reporter