Passengers embrace rail services

Herald Reporters

PASSENGER rail services are now in full capacity as witnessed by multitudes of people who are frequenting train stations.

Rail services are operating in Harare, Gweru and Bulawayo complemented by shuttling services from bus terminuses in the central business districts to the railway station so that the trains leave in accordance with their time tables.

In Harare, the three trains, Mufakose, Tynwald and Ruwa are leaving the station with all their coaches full, while in Gweru and Bulawayo they are still building capacity.

Zupco is also providing feeder services from the suburban stations that passengers use on the same ticket for the final leg of going home or the initial leg of going to town.

Mr Evaristo Mudangwa, Zupco acting chief executive officer said they were happy with the positive response they are receiving from the passengers.

“We are operating on a full capacity in all the three cities which are Harare, Gweru and Bulawayo and our number are gradually increasing,” he said.

“In Harare we are carrying an average of 1 700 passengers per trip in all the trains. The Ruwa and Tynwald trains are carrying an average of 600 passengers collectively and the rest are for Mufakose.

“Bulawayo has a relatively small population compared to Harare and it has only one train which is carrying a daily average of 400 passengers.

“However, we are still to get the statistics for the Gweru train.”

The rail services are expected to be rolled over to all towns across the country to decongest roads and ensure a safe way of commuting for travellers.

The move falls under the Government’s priority for a decent, adequate and efficient public transport system.

Police have said travellers who board buses, kombis and mushikashika not registered under the Zupco franchise risk fines of $2 000 each as police intensifies operations against errant bus, commuter omnibus and private car operators who continue defying Covid-19 regulations.

Besides the rail service, Zupco is on a drive to recruit more franchise holders and has invited all owners of roadworthy buses and kombis to join the fleet and the transport company is working with the police to see how buses can be given priority at peak hours so as to speed up turnaround times.