By Rudo Saungweme

Governrnment has revealed that 200 more buses are expected in the country to improve urban transport system.

This follows an outcry by Government detractors that the Government does not have a reliable alternative transportation mode.

Speaking on Capitalk FM yesterday, Minister of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing, Honourable July Moyo said, “Government is expecting a total of 200 buses through funds sourced from President Emmerson Mnangagwa to improve the urban transport system."

Government introduced the urban mass transport system through the Zimbabwe United Passenger Company (ZUPCO), on 21 January this year following the continued hikes in commuter omnibus fares. The hike in fuel price saw commuter operators charging up to $5 for local trips in most towns.

However, the transport fares reduced to $1 per trip within Harare, Chitungwiza to Harare is now $1.50 and Norton to city now costs $2 per trip.

Commenting on the matter, a Senior Government Official who refused to be named said, “Government intervention humbled the commuter operators. They really rob us our earnings. The Government must ban these commuter operators because they are profiteering at the expense of us. Their conduct is also is unacceptable. They are very disrespectful. We really need these buses, they have made our lives easier.”

Commuter operators have a record of disrespecting citizens and only do what pleases them. This has also prompted citizens to plead with the Ministry of Transport, Communication and Infrastructural Development and the Ministry of Environment, Tourism and Hospitality to look into the matter indicating that their behaviour affects not only citizens but tourists as well.