Online Reporter
Joshua Muswere
AT least 200 public service buses are on their way to Zimbabwe, while another 500 are still being manufactured under a Government-supported programme aimed at improving urban public transport services and eliminating illegal touting activities that have become rampant in major cities.
The Zimbabwe Passenger Transport Organisation (ZPTO) confirmed the development following a meeting with its members in Harare, saying the initiative is expected to bring order to the country’s urban transport system through standardised branding and centralised route management.
The programme, which is being spearheaded by the private sector in partnership with local authorities, seeks to address persistent transport shortages in urban centres while protecting commuters from escalating transport costs driven by rising global fuel prices.
ZPTO chairman Dr Samson Nhanhanga said preparations for the rollout of the buses were at an advanced stage.
“The first batch of 200 buses has departed China. We expect them very soon, and we have also 500 buses which are still under production,” said Dr Nhanhanga.
He said although transport services in intercity and rural areas remain relatively stable, major urban centres continue to face significant challenges due to inadequate public transport.
“We have focused more on intercity and rural transportation over the years, but there is now a glaring shortage of buses in urban areas, particularly in Harare, Bulawayo, Mutare and Masvingo,” he said.
The shortage has resulted in increased fares, with some commuters paying as much as US$3 for a single trip to Chitungwiza and up to US$2 for journeys to Budiriro.
Dr Nhanhanga said the introduction of a common branding system and centrally managed routes would help dismantle illegal touting cartels operating at bus termini and ranks.
He said operators were currently losing significant revenue to touts who extort transport operators while operating outside the formal tax system.
“Currently, we are struggling with touts who charge us 10 percent and do not pay tax because there is no order,” he said.
According to ZPTO, the new arrangement is expected to improve efficiency, enhance commuter safety and create a more structured public transport environment.
The organisation currently operates more than 3 000 buses across Zimbabwe and believes the additional fleet will significantly ease pressure on urban transport networks.
Government has also moved to support the programme through fiscal incentives designed to lower the cost of importing public service vehicles.
Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube recently suspended import duty on public service buses through Statutory Instrument 74 of 2026, with effect from January 1 this year.
The measure was introduced to cushion commuters from fare increases linked to rising global oil prices, which have been influenced by geopolitical tensions, including the US-Israel-Iran conflict.
Authorities say the policy will enable operators to acquire high-capacity buses at lower costs while supporting the long-term growth of Zimbabwe’s transport sector.
The initiative also aligns with broader efforts to modernise public transport systems and improve urban mobility.
