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Sharon Chikowore Mashonaland West Bureau
The deployment of ZUPCO buses in Chinhoyi has been met with excitement among the commuting public, exerting pressure on commuter omnibuses and pirate taxis which were overcharging commuters.
The ZUPCO buses were introduced in high-density suburbs last week, with two buses plying the CBD-Gadzema-Chikonohono-White City-Ruvimbo residential areas for 50c.
The popular buses have provided the much-needed competition for alternative transport that had been charging between $1,50 and $2 for the same distance.
Chinhoyi residents hailed Government for easing their transport woes, adding that more buses were needed to ease the pressure on the two buses.
Mr Ernest Phiri said the buses had brought relief to commuters who were overcharging them over short distances.
“Kombis were charging extortionate fares,” he said. “We want to thank Government because it has enabled us to choose the mode of transport that one can afford.”
Mrs Nyarai Chikara said the buses had pushed the overcharging commuter omnibuses and pirate taxis to review their fares downwards.
“The only challenge is waiting for the buses and the pressure during peak hours, otherwise the commuters have brought the required competition that will force the overcharging kombis to think otherwise.”
Ruvimbo resident Florence Chanetsa said the buses covered some areas which had been abandoned by the commuter omnibuses and pirate taxis.
“We were now being forced to finish part of the journey on foot while courtesy was not assured when you are using commuter omnibuses,” she said.
Chinhoyi Residents Association secretary-general Mr Tapiwa Chikondowa hailed Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs Minister Mary Mliswa-Chikoka and Local Government, Public Works and National Housing Deputy Minister Jennifer Mhlanga for heeding their call for affordable buses.
“We had appealed to Minister Mliswa-Chikoka and Deputy Minister Mhlanga and she delivered on her promise so we would like to applaud her for assisting the long suffering residents of Chinhoyi,” he said.
He said the buses were overdue since the commuting public was being taken advantage of by the kombis and pirate taxi operators.
Online Reporter