Plumtree residents slam ‘unjustified’ taxi fare hike amid confusion at ranks

Ronald Mpofu

A planned increase in local taxi fares has ignited a wave of criticism from Plumtree residents, who have condemned the new rates as exorbitant and unjustified.

The price adjustment, set to officially take effect on Monday, will see fares rise from R10 to either US$1 or R15 per person.

The new pricing structure has already created tension, with reports indicating that some commuters were charged the increased rate as early as today. This premature implementation has deepened frustration among the travelling public.

Local residents argue that the revised fees are unsustainable, particularly given what they describe as the taxis’ lack of meaningful contribution to the community.

One resident expressed the widely shared sentiment, saying, “R15 is just too much. These taxis contribute nothing to our community. They don’t pay road rehabilitation fees to the council, and they aren’t contributing to Zimra.

They only charge to line their own pockets, and the money solely goes to paying the drivers.”

The backlash has been amplified by the relatively short distances covered by local taxis, which typically operate within a radius of no more than 7km for standard trips. Commuters are comparing these routes with longer journeys to highlight what they see as a disproportionate and unreasonable increase.

“It makes no sense,” another angry resident said. “Travelling from Plumtree town to Izimnyama Village, which is a 10km distance, only costs R20 or US$1. So how does this local price hike make any sense at all?”

When approached for comment, a rank marshal at the Plumtree local taxi rank confirmed that the issue is still under discussion. Speaking to the Chronicle on condition of anonymity, the marshal said the new tariff had not yet been finalised.

“We are still working on the R15, US$1 issue; probably by next week we will have a final say,” the rank marshal said during a phone interview. He acknowledged the current confusion, adding,

“We have, however, witnessed some drivers who have started demanding R15 or US$1 charges from passengers.”
With unclear messaging from rank authorities and some drivers already enforcing the new tariff, residents remain uncertain about what to expect in the coming days, anxiously awaiting a decision that will have a significant impact on their daily commuting costs.