By Tendai Matunhu

The introduction of Zupco commuter omnibuses or Zupco kombis has been highly commended by commuters saying the move will go a long way in decongesting long queues punctuating most Zupco bus terminuses.

In an interview with The Harare Post Epworth residents said the introduction of Zupco omnibuses will reduce the time people spend waiting for cheap transport to work.

“We really welcome this development as it shows how serious our government is regarding cushioning travellers especially us who use transport to and from work daily.

“We were spending more hours in queues waiting for the few Zupco buses resulting in us reporting for work late and also coming home very late. We however appeal to responsible authorities to increase the number of the Zupco buses and omnibuses so that we all benefit from this beautiful scheme,” said Mr Finios Muza of Epworth.  

Speaking to this publication on conditions of anonymity, one Ministry of Local Government, Housing and Public Works official revealed that the available Zupco transportation was not enough to cater for everyone because of their reasonable fares hence the introduction of the Zupco omnibuses.

“The Zupco omnibuses cannot be having the exact same fares as the buses but they are still affordable to everyone. The introduction of the Zupco commuter omnibuses does not mean there will no longer be any new buses coming. Buses will be coming anytime soon, but we hope the commuters we have added will help a step further.

He also said, “Demand for the cheaper Zupco bus option was overwhelming and there was need for an urgent solution, that is why the omnibuses where introduced.”

Government has always cushioned citizens following the economic hardships that people are facing. The move for Zupco to work with private commuter operators will surely go a long way in alleviating the transport problems.