WATCH: BCC urges kombi operators to join registered organisations

Vusumuzi Dube, Online News Editor

THE Bulawayo City Council has urged commuter omnibus operators to regularise their operations through joining the four registered companies that are allowed to operate in the city.

This comes in the wake of the police and the local authority last week embarking on a joint operation targeting illegal public transport operators that had mushroomed in the city. The operation was also meant to have all operators use the legally permitted pick up points in the city after the opening of the Egodini Bus Terminus rank and informal traders’ stalls.

In a public notice, Bulawayo Town Clerk, Mr Christopher Dube revealed that the four recognised associations were; Tshova Mubaiwa Transport Co-op, Bulawayo Public Transporters Association, Bulawayo City Transit Association and Bulawayo Suburbs.

“Our appeal to transporters is that they should regularise their activities and ensure that they have a permit. They must also ensure that they belong to the companies that have been formed and are adequately branded so that they can assist our commuters to enjoy safe and efficient transportation services in the City of Bulawayo.

“We want to thank the transport sector and operators for the continued support and co-operation especially now that we are moving to Egodini, may we continue working together for the growth of the city. The registration of the public transport operators is done every six months as per the Road Motor Transportation Act and shall be restricted to carrying the passengers as stipulated in the permit,” he said.

He said the local authority issues permits as per the Road Motor Transportation Act [Chapter 13:15], Part III, Statutory Instrument 213A of 2022, Public Health (Covid-19 Prevention, Containment and Treatment) (National Lockdown) (No.2) (Amendment) Order, 2022 (No.43) and The City of Bulawayo Public Transport Policy read with the Road Motor Transportation Act.

“The City of Bulawayo as a local planning authority is responsible for the management, policy formulation and implementation of policies within the City of Bulawayo. The City is responsible for ensuring that the appointed company or providers of public transport in Bulawayo are issued with permits. The City’s policy also outlines that no vehicle other than those of the appointed company shall be allowed to use or enter the termini or be used for Public Transportation,” said Mr Dube.

The Road Motor Transportation Act [Chapter 13:15] provides for the licensing, registration and regulation of passenger and freight transport operators. In addition, the Public Service Vehicle Regulations prescribed in Statutory Instrument 134 of 1998 provide for the standards that are essential for the safe operation of public service vehicles. 

Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona recently said due to challenges in the movement of people as a result of the reduction in the national bus fleet, and rapid urbanisation, the Government introduced duty exemption on the importation of new buses into the country. He said this was meant to address transport challenges and increase the use of mass transport systems, particularly in urban areas.