Online Reporter
Patrick Chitumba, Zimpapers Writer
GWERU City Council has revamped its public transport payment system, replacing the previous US$1 daily permit with a US$105 quarterly fee. The move is aimed at curbing revenue leakages, improving accountability, and restoring order in the city’s transport sector.
Confirming the development yesterday, Gweru Mayor Councillor Martin Chivhoko said the new system is expected to enhance transparency and ensure that all operators — including commuter omnibuses and mushikashika — are properly accounted for.
“We are introducing quarterly payments because we want order and accountability in our public transport system. The new system ensures we know exactly who is operating, unlike the daily permits, where the actual number of operators was unclear,” said Clr Chivhoko.
He said that the previous model had loopholes that allowed some operators to evade payment or operate illegally. Under the new arrangement, all transporters will be required to pay a US$105 council disk fee per quarter, which equates to approximately US$30 per month.
Clr Chivhoko added that restoring order also involves ensuring operators strictly use designated pick-up and drop-off points, thereby ending chaotic loading practices in the Central Business District (CBD).
“We no longer want haphazard pick-ups and drop-offs in the CBD. The registered points include the TM rank for Mkoba, Ivene and Senga routes,” he said.
Additional designated pick-up points include Second Street, between the Kudzanayi Bus Terminus entrance and Chitepo Avenue, serving Mtapa, Mambo, Ascot, Montrose, Claremont, and Woodlands; Main Street, after Moffat Street, catering to Greenvale, Riverside and Harben Park; and First Street, after DA Service Station, for Ridgemont, Athlone, Nashville, Northgate and Hertfordshire.
On infrastructure improvements, the mayor said rehabilitation of key ranks is underway.
“We are rehabilitating Ivene, Southdowns, Southview and Lundi Park ranks, and we expect them to be commissioned soon,” he said.
Clr Chivhoko also revealed that plans are in progress for the rehabilitation of TM rank. He added that the local authority is working to formalise car wash operations by allocating regulated spaces.
“We want them inspected for safety and hygiene so they operate in designated areas,” he said.
Meanwhile, the mayor announced that council will today hold a stakeholders’ meeting with public transport operators, scotch cart operators, and vendors at the Mayor’s Parlour.
“The meeting is about finding ways to co-exist peacefully and sustainably in our city spaces. We want to share ideas and solutions that balance livelihoods with law and order,” said Clr Chivhoko.
He expressed confidence that through dialogue and cooperation, Gweru can build an orderly, functional, and inclusive urban environment.
