Online Reporter
Arron Nyamayaro
TRANSPORTERS have welcomed the new public transport driving age limits announced by the Government.
The minimum age requirement for public transport drivers is now 30 years.
One of the local bus operators, Afra Nhanhanga, told H-Metro there was an urgent need for a battle against drugs and substance abuse at ranks.
“As for us bus operators, we do not employ drivers below 35 years,” said Afra.
“Maturity is important and is associated with responsibility.
“Some young drivers are engaging in reckless driving, a number of our kombi drivers have been consuming illicit beers being sold at the ranks.
“They put these in soft drink bottles to fool the police.
“So, at times, it is not about age, but our biggest enemy are drugs and substances being abused.
“Let us join hands in exposing suppliers and abusers of drugs and substances to save lives.”
A kombi driver, identified as Baba Tanatswa, 27, told H-Metro that competition to meet daily cash targets has been the major cause of accidents.
“We understand the Government’s concern to reduce road traffic accidents,” said Baba Tanatswa.
“Maturity is needed in every business sector hence the need for kombi drivers to be above 30 years.
“Competition to win passengers, wrestling among ourselves and speeding to meet daily cash targets is part of the problem.
“But, for sure, driving public transport needs maturity in handling clients and respecting the sanctity of life on the roads.”
Another kombi driver, who only identified himself as Silas, said he was happy that those who are below 25, and have been certified to drive public transport, will be allowed to continue doing so.
“To me, the announcement saved my family as well as my job.
“As young drivers, we sometimes take a risk which our elderly drivers do not take.
“We fool each other at the ranks and end up killing passengers while evading arrest.
“Such mischief is not found among older drivers.
“Madriver ekombi echidiki anotozoyeuka bako vanaiwa vavekuigirwa sadza nemadzimai avo vavekuchitokisi kumapurisa.”
