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directed that all kombis use the designated 10 ranks in the central business district.
The move has, however, caused congestion at the ranks. Roads leading into the various ranks are now impassable during peak periods as the kombis fight to join loading queues.
Lives have also been lost in the ensuing chaos.
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Secretary general of the Urban Commuter Omnibus Operators’ Association Mr Simbarashe Ngarande said operators wanted Government to set up a commission to investigate operations at bus ranks and to recommend the way forward.
“Government should set up a commission which will investigate how many operators’ licences and permits have been issued to date. The commission should recommend the appropriate system to be used in issuing licences,” he said.
City spokesman Mr Leslie Gwindi, however, accused the operators of being fragmented.
“They should form one representative body. Now we have a multiplicity of requests from the different operators. We have told them to form one representative body,” he said.
He said the operators wanted to take over the management of the ranks, a position the city had declined.
“We have refused them the power to run the ranks. We have asked them to register a union with us. We do not speak to everybody. We prefer them to organise themselves,” he said.
Mr Ngarande said the operators submitted their plans on managing the ranks at the request of Town House.
He said in the interim council should revert to the on-street bus ranks while a lasting solution was being sought.
Mr Ngarande alleged there was selective application of the law by the city traffic enforcement unit as some kombis were allowed to use undesignated ranks.
Online Reporter