Rudo Saungweme

Citizens have expressed joy over the addition of new Zimbabwe United Passengers Company (ZUPCO) buses that began operations during the weekend.

“We are pleased with the addition of more ZUPCO buses in the urban area. It has brought relief to us passengers because we are being charged extortionate fares for a rough ride.

“Commuter omnibus operators charge fares wittingly but the introduction of these buses on the road will make these kombi operators behave,” said a Harare resident who lives in Chitungwiza.

ZUPCO Chief Executive Officer Evaristo Madangwa said that they released twenty buses during the weekend.

“We released twenty buses to cater for transport challenges in urban areas on Saturday, many more buses will be coming,” said Madangwa.

Madangwa stated the number of buses given to Harare Metropolitan province. Harare hospital was allocated two buses that will ease transport challenges for both patients and medical practitioners.

“Harare hospital has been given two buses to ease transport challenges to patients and medical practitioners. The areas that got two buses each are Glen-view 1, 2 and, Budiriro 4 and 5, Norton, Zengeza 1 to 4, Seke 1 and 2 and Dzivaresekwa  surburbs,” said Madangwa.

Other areas which include Hatfield, Makoni area, Kuwadzana Extension, Ashdown Park and Glendale suburbs got one bus each.

Madangwa said that other cities like, Bulawayo, Gweru, Kwekwe, Masvingo and Mutare were also allocated one bus each as they wait for the coming in of more buses.

The coming in of more ZUPCO buses will see the passengers being the biggest winners as Commuter omnibus fares will be forced to go down, Harare Post has learnt.