Zupco slashes fares

GOVERNMENT has slashed the Zimbabwe United Passengers Company (Zupco) bus fares following a public outcry after the parastatal effected a 100% hike earlier this month.

Under the new fare structure announced by the parastatal yesterday, passengers will now pay $40 for trips that are less than 20km, which is a reduction of over 33% compared to the previous fare of $60.

Commuters that board Zupco kombis will now pay $60 from $80. Commuters will pay $80 for trips between 31km and 40km.

Zupco said it had reduced the fares to eliminate illegal commuter omnibuses, and to also reduce traffic congestion in urban areas as the country enforces level 4 lockdown measures.

“All intercity buses will be redeployed to urban operations to increase carrying capacity and efficiency,” read the Zupco statement.

“(During) off peak hours, we encourage commuters visiting the central business district for any business other than employment to travel between 8:30am and 3:30pm. This will avoid congestion and overcrowding at our bus termini during peak hours. We encourage our passengers to use designated bus stops.”

Zupco said it would use technological systems to monitor transport requirements. Commuters have been shunning the Zupco buses, which were charging higher fares, in preference of cheaper pirate taxis.

The parastatal said it would liaise with security officers to enforce strict adherence to COVID-19 protocols which include social distancing, sanitising of hands and proper wearing of masks.

Government yesterday ordered all intercity buses to register with Zupco and ply urban routes while waiting for the lifting of a ban on intercity travel.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Tuesday said there was need for strict enforcement of a ban on inter-city travel and warned that offenders would have their operating licences withdrawn.