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Auxilia Katongomara, Chronicle Reporter
PUBLIC Transporters in Bulawayo have said the police and Bulawayo City Council must take action against pirate taxis as they are pushing them out of business.
Speaking during a transport review workshop, BUPTA director Morgan Msipa bemoaned the influx of Honda Fit vehicles that are being used as unregistered taxis.
“We have these small vehicles, the Honda Fit. All routes are awash with these cars .The reason why I’m talking about this is that at every corner they are there.
“We know the economic situation is dire but if they want to do it why can’t they be taxis for hire. If they wanted to be commuter omnibuses why can’t they come and be part of us,” said Msipa.
He said routes such City-Newton West, D-Square-Emganwini as well as City-Hillside had been taken over by the pirate taxis and kombi crews.
“There is no point in me paying the required taxis and levies when I’m not protected. I think the police have to protect me.
“I think the traffic department of the city council has to protect me so that I can operate in an environment which is profitable without someone stealing,” Msipa said.
“I don’t know whether it’s difficult for council to stamp their authority on the issue of these small cars. They are everywhere on every route competing for customers with us. This is what we are fighting every day.”
He said they had reached an agreement with the police for them to stop chasing kombis carrying passengers to avoid loss of lives.
“We engaged the police, we expressed concern and asked them to stop chasing kombis when they are carrying passengers. We then gave them a duty that when you see a kombi belonging to BUPTA, just take down the number plate and we will bring it to Drill Hall. Go to Drill Hall today they can confirm that. We actually escort that vehicle there,” said Msipa.
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