Transport operators form companies

Nduduzo Tshuma Senior Reporter
TRANSPORT operators in Bulawayo meet tomorrow to discuss the formation of new companies in line with the Bulawayo City Council (BCC) requirements towards ensuring smooth running and accountability in the sector.
The move comes shortly after the government urged the transport sector and driving schools in the city to form vibrant associations and seek its support in purchasing vehicles.

Bulawayo Public Transporters Association (BUPTA) secretary general Albert Ncube yesterday said the operators had already formed two companies and the meeting was meant to update members on the details.

“As you’re aware, council has been calling on owners of commuter omnibuses to fall under companies. Two companies have since been formed and the meeting is meant for us to explain what would be happening thereafter,” said Ncube who could not be drawn to disclose more detail prior to the meeting.

BCC public relations officer Bongiwe Ngwenya said the proposal was made as part of the urban public transport policy as far back as 2012 to bring order within the transport sector.

“The proposals were made after a realisation that every transport operator was managing their operations as individuals. For example if you have 30 commuter omnibuses plying the City-Cowdray Park route, they would be managed by 30 people,” she said.

“People would complain about abuse by transport operators and some would not know where to go when they lost their property in the kombis. In the new arrangement, the transport operators will fall under companies where management would be easy.”

Ngwenya said under the new companies, transport operators would deposit their earnings in one account and share profits at the end of the month.
“There have been complaints of kombis racing on the roads and of loading bays at Egodini endangering lives. The new system will ensure that the operators work together. They will also undergo training courses on how to handle the public,” she said.

Last week, Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Dr Obert Mpofu implored driving school owners and transport operators in Matabeleland to form vibrant associations to receive government support in purchasing vehicles for their operations.