Staff Reporter
The Zimbabwe United Passengers Company (ZUPCO), historically plagued by financial losses, has embarked on a transformative journey towards profitability.
After implementing a series of strategic measures, the public transport parastatal is now witnessing significant operational improvements.
An official from ZUPCO revealed that a key component of ZUPCO's revival strategy involves a rigorous cost-cutting initiative, which has dramatically reduced the workforce from approximately 8,000 to 1,085 employees.
“This downsizing is part of broader efforts to streamline operations and boost efficiency across the board,” said the official.
To further enhance operational efficacy, ZUPCO has revamped its procurement processes and launched a ticketing pilot project on urban routes.
These initiatives aim to refine service delivery and optimise day-to-day operations.
According to the official, ZUPCO recently received substantial financial support from the Treasury, of USD $408,000 in March 2024, allocated for the resuscitation and maintenance of its bus fleet.
The official added that ZUPCO has plans to acquire more buses to boost its fleet. He added that, “of the 102 buses earmarked for repair, 56 have already been refurbished and returned to service. With the current fleet standing at 432 buses nationwide, there are plans to acquire an additional 500 buses through a competitive tendering process, which will significantly enhance the public transport system,” shared the official.
In an effort to protect its brand and improve the customer experience, ZUPCO is reportedly collaborating with the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) to enforce strict regulations regarding the use of its logo by operators.
“This measure is designed to maintain high standards and safeguard the organisation's reputation within the transportation sector,” added the source.
In parallel, efforts to revitalise the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) are gaining momentum.
A notable achievement in this endeavour is the recent signing of a US$81.2 million agreement with an Indian firm for the supply of 315 wagons and nine locomotives, underscoring the Government's commitment to modernising the nation's transport infrastructure.
