Commuters cry foul over fares hike
Nothando Nkomo/Faith Tevera
BULAWAYO- Bulawayo commuters have bemoaned the doubling of fares by the Zimbabwe United Passenger Compang (ZUPCO) saying that the new pricing is beyond the reach of many and insensitive to the plight of commuters.
On the first of July ZUPCO increased its fares by a staggering 100 percent, in a development that shocked commuters who were already reeling from the effects of the comatose economy coupled with Covid19 restrictions.
Under the new fare structure, passengers must pay $50 per trip for a trip of 0 to 20km distance up from $30. For a distance of 21 to 30km commuters have to fork out $ 90 while a 31 to 40km attracts a $ 110 fare up from $60. Simultaneously, the state owned company also raised minibus fares from $50 to $80 for a distance covering 0 to 20km, while for a distance of 31 to 40km the new charge is $120.
The latest hikes have left commuters with little choice apart from boarding pirate kombis and private operators known as ‘mshikamshikas’ that still charge $50 per trip. However, the pirate vehicles are struggling to cope with increased demand and are constantly engaged in running battles with law enforcement agents.
Speaking to this publication, a passenger who only identified himself as Mr Dube said he, like many other commuters, has to make do with the notorious ‘mshikashika’ since being priced out by the exhorbitant ZUPCO bus fares.
“I used to rely on ZUPCO buses to get into town but in the wake of the increased fares, l have opted to join the ‘mshikashika’ bandwagon since they are still charging a reasonable 50 rtgs. If the private operators increase their fares,some of us will have to work from home as we can not afford $120 spent on just transport per day,” said Mr Dube.
For Valentine Ncube, a resident of the city, the increased fares are an unwelcome hammer blow as he has to pay for his three children’s transport fares in addition to his own. Moreover he has other obligations that include rent, school fees as well as feeding the family.
“I am the head of my family and the sole breadwinner. The price hikes are a bitter pill to swallow given that I have children who are doing their career courses in town and looking at the increment in bus fares, my ability to afford transport fares is seriously in doubt. Il also have other things to take care of such as rentals ,fees and feeding the family. Before the increase in bus fare I could barely sustain my family with my meagre salary,” said a dejected Ncube.
“As a vendor, I relied heavily on ZUPCO buses and the hike in fares spells doom for some of us because we don’t get customers all the time. Sometimes I fail to make a dollar. The ZUPCO hikes could not have come at a worse time and must be reviewed downwards,” said Sibusisiwe Mhlongo.
Another commuter who requested anonymity said the increases in transport and costs of other goods should be commensurate with salaries. He said “If the government is to increase prices, it should also consider adjusting salaries to match the increase of goods and services. We have a sad situation where prices of goods and services continue to skyrocket while salaries remain the same. The systematic erosion of salaries is a cause for concern.”
Meanwhile, ZUPCO buses have been struggling to fill passengers to capacity since the hike. Sights of ZUPCO crews calling out and begging commuters to enter their buses have become common in the city.
