Chronicle Editor
Peter Matika, [email protected]
THE Bulawayo City Council (BCC) has announced that only five public transport operators are operating legally under the city’s public transport policy, which was established 12 years ago.
The policy, which was put in place in October 2012, is aimed at providing a safe and efficient transportation system for residents.
In a statement, Bulawayo town clerk Mr Christopher Dube said the policy was developed through extensive consultations with public transport operators, commuters, and other key stakeholders.
He said although the implementation of the policy was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, it is now back on track. The local authority recently signed service-level agreements with the transport operators.
“One of the major components of the policy was the signing of service-level agreements with transport operator companies operating in the city. However, with the onset of the Covid-19 restrictions and the resumption of operation by public transport operators, the implementation of the policy has gone back on track and the City of Bulawayo signed service-level agreements with public transport companies on 18 October 2024,” said Mr Dube.
The five public transport operators presently registered and operating legally in the city are Bulawayo City Transit Trust, BUPTA, Bulawayo West Transporters Private Limited, Tshova Mubaiwa Transport Co-operative Company, and VUTA Taxis.
“The public transport companies have since been advised to take up their positions at the respective termini to enable servicing of their designated service areas. Companies should work hand in hand with residents through their resident associations to promote order, safety, Ubuntu and accountability,” said Mr Dube.
This development comes in response to growing concerns over the chaotic situation in the city centre, where illegal taxi operators, kombis, and inter-city buses have been causing havoc by picking up and dropping off passengers at undesignated points.
The lack of regulation, especially during peak hours, has led to heavy traffic congestion, with errant drivers blocking roads and flouting traffic regulations.
Bulawayo police have vowed to continue cracking down on illegal operators. Recent raids have targeted mushikashika operators and other offenders who have contributed to the mushrooming of illegal pick-up and drop-off points throughout the city.
According to city by-laws, all public transport operators must be registered and are required to use designated pick-up and drop-off points. The transport policy also stipulates that all routes in Bulawayo must originate from designated termini, and operators are required to follow routes agreed upon by the council and relevant associations.
However, despite these regulations, illegal operators continue to violate the city’s transport policy. The ongoing disregard for the rules has prompted calls for more stringent enforcement to restore order in the public transport sector.
In a related development, the United Bulawayo Taxi Association, which represents 81 taxi operators, recently petitioned the BCC and transport associations, voicing concerns over the effects of the route-sharing policy. The taxi operators argued that the lack of clarity surrounding route-sharing has led to unfair fare impositions and arbitrary fare hikes.
The group also expressed concerns that the route-sharing policy stifles competition, reduces service quality, and promotes monopolistic practices. According to the association, the policy limits the freedom of individual operators and hinders the development of a diverse and modern transport sector.
The petition calls on the BCC to review the policy and address the issues raised to ensure that the transport system benefits both operators and the public.
Online Reporter