Published by the government of Zimbabwe
10 May 2004
Harare — SOME commuter omnibus operators in Harare have unilaterally increased fares from the gazetted $1 000 to $1 500 for a single trip, citing operational costs.
The operators said they were failing to break-even due to other operational costs such as servicing of vehicles, maintenance and other vehicle accessories.
"There is a possibility that some commuter omnibus operators are taking the law into their hands. However, we are still waiting for Government-approved fares," chairman of the Commuter Omnibus Operators' Association Mr Tererai Katema said.
He said Government, through the Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing, had taken long in announcing the new fares.
"We made proposals last year in October in which we asked for a fee of $120 a kilometre, but we have not received feedback since then," Mr Katema said.
He said most of their members were now forced to withdraw services due to what they called prohibitive operational costs.
Most operators, he said, have been affected by high prices of spares, which are not controlled.
Commenting on the $1 500 being charged by some commuter omnibus operators, Mr Katema said it was outside the law.
"We condemn such developments because we are a law-abiding organisation," he said.
Vice-president of the Confederation of Zimbabwe Commuter Omnibus Association Mr Felix Papaya said his organisation was not aware of the new fare increase.
He said the commuter omnibus operators charging $1 500 had not consulted his organisation.
Zimbabwe Public Transport Users' Association (formerly the Commuters' Association of Zimbabwe) interim chairman Mr Irvin Chinyenze said the increase of fares was not justifiable.
He blamed the hike on the price increases of other goods such as electronic items and furniture by some shops.
"The wave of speculation is now creeping in as prices of other goods are going up. As commuters we feel that hikes are not justified," he said.
The worst hit suburbs include Chitungwiza, Glen Norah, Budiriro, Mabvuku, Tafara and Kuwadzana.
Commuter omnibus operators are taking advantage of evening peak periods when most commuters return home after work.
In some areas commuters have to pay double on their way home as commuter omnibuses ply shorter routes or split the journey.
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