Commuters cry foul over ZUPCO price hike

TENDAI BHEBE IN BULAWAYO

The Zimbabwe Passenger Association (ZPA) has criticised the increase of ZUPCO fares saying the new fares were unaffordable to most of them.

This  comes after ZUPCO last week announced that passengers travelling up to 20km will now pay ZWL$80 from ZWL$50, with those travelling between 21 to 30km paying ZWL$100 from ZWL$80.

Those travelling between 31 and 40km by bus will now pay ZWL$120.

Passengers who use the ZUPCO kombis will now pay ZWL$100 from ZWL$80 for distances up to 20km and for distances between 21 and 30km passengers will now pay ZWL$120.

ZPA secretary-general Paul Makiwa said: “We were caught by surprise just to be told that the bus fares have gone up. We do not expect that to be done by ZUPCO  since it is also a part of the government institution. We do expect ZUPCO to show professionalism. They should consult relevant authorities in future.”

Over the last 12 months, the government has imported more than 450 buses to boost the ZUPCO  fleet. However, transport woes have continued unabated.