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Nqobile Tshili, Chronicle Correspondent
BULAWAYO councillors are divided over the implementation of the city’s public transport policy (PTP) with some arguing that commuter omnibus operators need to be taught public relations before the system is adopted.
Council is in the process of implementing a PTP Service Level Agreement aimed at restoring sanity among public transporters.
According to a report contained in the latest council minutes, some councillors argue that commuter omnibus operators have not adopted the recommended resolutions for the PTP to be implemented.
In the report, the director of engineering services, Simela Dube, revealed that Ward 4 councillor Silas Chigora said more needed to be done before the council could commit itself to the policy.
“The operators, according to the report, had failed to manage congestion, the management was still individualistic, public relations had not improved and commuter omnibuses still had no time tables,” read the report.
Clr Chigora argued that some commuter omnibuses need to improve the interior of the commuter omnibuses while other vehicle fleets need to be replaced. He was supported by colleagues from Ward 17 Ephraim Ncube, Ward 13 Lot Siziba who emphasised on the need to improve public relations among public transporters.
Clr Monica Lubimbi weighed in saying there was a need to train commuter omnibus crews on public relations.
She said most residents were complaining about high radio volumes in commuter omnibuses.
However, Ward 9 councillor, Charles Moyo supported the signing of the policy arguing that it will legally bind operators to improve their services.
“Public relations amongst commuter omnibus crews should improve. It should be clearly stated that a company that failed to service the area well would have its contract terminated,” he said.
Dube explained to councillors that the adoption of PTP will result in the council controlling public transporters.
“The signing of the Service Level Agreement would bring in controls such as reduced competition and accidents reduction. On the issue of improved public relations, commuter omnibuses operations companies would hold workshops with their crews,” said Dube.
He said the Bulawayo United Public Transporters Association (Bupta) has already trained more than 400 crew members in public relations in an ongoing exercise.
Online Reporter