Chronicle Editor
Rejoyce Sibanda, Chronicle Reporter
WITH the exit of Eagle Liner and Intercity Xpress from the cross-border market comes Katiso, which is SeSotho for “growth”.
Katiso luxury coaches offer travellers comfortable and reliable transport.
The bus operator, which offers cross-border travel services between South Africa and Zimbabwe adheres to world-class standards.
The buses are equipped with reclining seats, charging ports, air conditioning, on-board entertainment, toilets as well as qualified and skilled drivers.
Katiso bus company marketing manager Ms Johanna Monare said the transport operator has about 20 buses and 45 highly qualified drivers.
She said the company has since moved its operations to Corner Robert Mugabe Way and 10th Avenue for the convenience of customers. The offices are spacious, less crowded and located in a safe area for travellers.
“Katiso buses started operating in June last year. Initially the buses were plying the Harare to Johannesburg route and last December introduced the Bulawayo-Johannesburg route.
The response has been good because we come from a background of operating under Intercity Express and Eagle Liner so the clientele that we used to transport is happy to have another familiar system,” said Ms Monare.
She said Katiso guarantees the safety of travellers and the buses adhere to strict timetables for the convenience of passengers.
She added that unlike other bus operators, they do not randomly estimate the luggage and come up with a price but weigh and charge it per kg.
“We offer online bookings and so one does not necessarily have to go to the office to book the ticket. In South Africa, travellers can also book at shopping centres such as Shoprite and Checkers. In Zimbabwe, we have partnered with National Tickets, a travel agency in Harare that has allowed us to do bookings through them,” said Ms Monare.
She said they offer free 30 kilogrammes for every ticket purchase.
Ms Monare highlighted that the company strives to offer passengers affordable services despite operating in a competitive environment.
“Katiso bus company has a loyalty programme which is called K-Loyalty. One is given a loyalty card and every time they purchase a ticket, they get some money back into their card.
This money is in the form of points that one can use as money whenever they want to. One can also save their points to a huge sum of money that can afford to buy them a ticket,” she said.
Ms Monare said they offer discounts to students, children and pensioners and if people board their buses in groups of 10 and above, they get a 10 percent discount.
She said the bus company also seeks to empower communities by signing up people who can recruit passengers that travel frequently as agents.
The marketing manager said these agents get a commission from the sales made.
“We pride ourselves in our professionalism.
Our booking system allows you to pre-book and have your seat secured once the destination has been decided. One can book according to their seat number so that they have the privilege to sit where they want to on the bus.
Customer care is our number one priority so we try by all means to make the passengers as comfortable as possible and also ensure that they have a safe journey all the way,” said Ms Monare.
She added that as a company, they always make sure they have everyone’s correct identification so that if anything happens on the way, they have their contact details and those of their next of kin.
Ms Monare said they also screen everyone that comes on board so that there are no instances of robberies and other crimes.
She said the company seeks to expand their services in South Africa for the convenience of cross-border customers.
— @ReeSibanda
Online Reporter