285
Commuters are crying foul over the consequences of the current police blitz, which has seen the skyrocketing of transport costs in high density areas in the capital.
The operation targeting unregistered and unlicensed vehicles, operators offering public transport without proper licensing, and those breaching traffic regulations, has resulted in some errant transport operators hiking their fares, taking advantage of the crisis.
The national president of the Passenger Association of Zimbabwe, Mr. Tafadzwa Goliath, expressed his distress regarding the situation, stating that they were deeply saddened by the exorbitant and unjust fares.
Fares are now as high as US$2.50 for Chitungwiza and US$2 for Mabvuku as examples of the concerning price hikes, Goliath told a local daily.
“This is saddening, these fares are high and unfair. They are now as high as US$2,50 for Chitungwiza and US$2 for Mabvuku,” Goliath said.
“We urge the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, and police to address this situation because commuters are suffering.”
It has also come to light that some passengers are also now being dropped off outside the central business district by illegal operators in an attempt to evade the police and reducing the risk of arrest.
As as result, commuters are being forced to walk for long distances to reach their workplaces located in to their workplaces located in the CBD..
Speaking on behalf of the frustrated commuters, Mary Chanyuka, a local resident and regular commuter, voiced her disappointment.
“We understand the importance of enforcing traffic regulations and ensuring public safety,” Chanyuka said.
“However, it is unfair that we, as innocent commuters, are being forced to bear the brunt of these increased costs. We are already struggling with the rising cost of living, and this additional financial burden is simply too much to bear,” she added.
Last week, law enforcement agencies, along with other stakeholders, initiated an operation aimed at addressing various violations of traffic laws.
These violations include driving unregistered and unlicensed vehicles, the operation of pirate taxis (Mushikashika) and kombis, as well as drivers engaging in driving and parking offenses.
According to police statistics, 509 drivers were arrested for operating without route permits, 7 890 for operating pirate taxis (Mushikashika), 257 for driving recklessly, while 530 unregistered vehicles had been impounded. A total of 1 164 people were arrested for touting, according to the police statistics.
