Staff Reporter
Zupco yesterday started distributing its newly acquired 90 buses to various provinces ahead of the busy festive season.
The distribution of 90 Zupco buses also ensures Government’s mass transport sector revival strategy is shaping up.
Zupco CEO, Everisto Madandwa promised the public that more buses were coming to complement the existing fleet
“As Zupco, we are glad to have received 90 buses which today (yesterday) we have started distributing to all the 10 provinces. We are certain that this will go a long way in curbing challenges of movement this festive season. The buses will be servicing the long routes. The public should brace for more buses before the end of year,” he said.
Mashonaland East Province received 20 buses, at a handover ceremony held at Rudaka stadium in Marondera yesterday.
Marondera residents could not hide their joy as they now have affordable and reliable transport.
“We are really happy as people of Marondera that we now have our own reliable and affordable transport. Private transport operators used to short-change us by hiking their fares especially during the festive season,” said Mr Clifford Muchokoto from Nyameni Marondera.
Masvingo province also received a fleet of 20 buses, much to the excitement of the commuting public, who also for a long time had been victims of abuse by some errant transport operators.
“The Second Republic through the leadership of President Emmerson Mnangagwa is doing a good job. We want to thank them for improving the public transportation system and making our life easier,” a resident of Masvingo, Ms Theresa Masaiti said.
In Mashonaland Central Province, 10 buses were allocated, amid hope that road traffic accidents will decline, owing to the availability of reliable and roadworthy public transport.
Manicaland Province also received 20 buses in Mutare yesterday afternoon with the local community being highly appreciative of the development that will reduce their transport woes.
Speaking at the launch of the buses in Harare recently, President Mnangagwa promised to continue supporting Zupco which has seen its employment figures growing from around 380 to over 6000.
“The addition of these 90 buses to the existing fleet, bolsters our on-going quest to guarantee the provision of efficient, reliable, safe and affordable public transport services for mass rural and urban areas as enunciated in the National Development Strategy 1,” said President Mnangagwa.
Zupco aims to meet its target of 1500 buses by the end of 2022 and now has close to 500 new buses, which are being complemented by those under its franchise.
