Online Reporter
Theseus Shambare
The Bulawayo Urban Passenger Transport Association (BUPTA) has urged the Harare City Council to adopt their model in managing commuter omnibus operations in the capital, emphasising the need for collaboration between operators and the local authorities.
BUPTA chairperson Morgan Msipa highlighted the success of their system, which was established in 2011 through a collaborative effort with the local authority. This resulted in the formation of five companies, each assigned specific routes, eliminating competition and promoting order.
“In order to achieve orderly operations of commuter omnibuses, there is a need for engagement between the associations and the local authorities.
“In Bulawayo, the local authority came to us in 2011, and we had an engagement that culminated in the creation of a by-law that mandated us to transition to become companies,” said Msipa.
This move, according to Msipa, has significantly improved road safety.
“The by-law does not allow another company to operate in the route of the other firm. This eliminated competition among operators.
‘‘In addition, associations have operational guidelines. For example, if, on a specific day, your kombi is following at number 10, you do not need to speed and overtake that one on number nine. Even if you arrive earlier, you wait for your turn. To us, that has automatically eliminated the speeding issue and put our passengers’ lives in safe hands,” he said.
The Bulawayo model also includes a clear contract between the operators and the council.
“Our contract with the council lasts for five years and is required to be renewed based on how we would have operated. We have a clearly stated organogram for each company,” Msipa said.
He believes this model can be successfully replicated in Harare.
“If Harare is to replicate this, there is a need for collective cooperation among stakeholders.
“This includes the city council, commuter omnibus operators and other relevant stakeholders,” said Msipa.
