daniel chigunwe
Ivan Zhakata Herald Correspondent
THERE was chaos at Mbare bus terminus yesterday as buses were loading and offloading outside the rank to protest exorbitant ranking fees.
Council, through the Department of Housing and Community Services, on Friday increased ranking fees by up to 200 percent and bus operators will now fork out US$30 per bus per day from US$10.
“Please be advised that in terms of Harare City Council Budget 2022, fees for Mbare Musika bus terminus have been increased with effect from 1 February 2022, buses – $30 and kombis – $15. Mode of payment is United States dollars,” reads the statement.
This did not go well with bus operators who are now loading outside the rank.
When The Herald crew visited the terminus there was a queue of buses along Ardbennie Road opposite the rank.
Some buses and kombis were also loading and offloading along Remembrance Drive causing congestion.
Travellers expressed concern over the matter and said council and bus operators should find each other for the convenience of the travellers.
Mr Lloyd Mudzipurwa, foreman for Roadrunner Buses, said council increased fees without notifying bus operators.
“This is not fair, council has just increased fees without telling us. People out there have no money and we cannot leave the passengers stranded so that is why were are loading buses from outside the rank,” he said.
Mr Kelvin Mushami, a local vendor, also bemoaned the lack of business because of the skirmishes
Mr Andrew Makwarimba echoed the same sentiments and said there was a need for council and bus operators to find an amicable solution.
Zimbabwe Passenger Transporters Organisation chairman, Dr Sam Nanhanga said council was to blame for the inconvenience as it hiked ranking fees without notifying them.
“We already have a challenge at Mbare terminus. We wanted it to be renovated, but council failed and we tried to partner with them but they refused,” he said.
Dr Nanhanga said it was disturbing to see the local authority increasing the ranking fees without giving any notice to bus operators.
He said a lot needed to be done at the terminus including putting proper shades and ablutions facilities which council has failed to provide.
“If it rains no one boards buses because of lack of shades for travellers. Council need to revisit their fees because they are not doing anything at Mbare bus terminus and we tend to wonder where the money we are paying is used for,” Dr Nanhanga said.
Council spokesperson Mr Michael Chideme said the new fee was also payable in local currency using all forms of payment.
“Our charges are denominated in United States dollars, but payable in RTGS. This is done to maintain value at the interbank rate,” he said.
Online Reporter