Commuter omnibus operators in Bulawayo agreed to reduce kombi fares across city routes to $1,50 from $2 with immediate effect.
Taxi association leaders who spoke to The Chronicle yesterday said they met Bulawayo Provincial Affairs Minister Judith Ncube to discuss the fare issue and present their grievances. Tshova Mubaiwa Transport Co-operation Chairperson Mr Atlas Moyo said they had agreed to reduce the taxi fare as a measure to meet halfway with commuters. He said the fuel price hike had necessitated an increase in fares. Said Moyo:
We met with the Minister, our leader in the province and we presented our grievances to her. We have since agreed on a downward review of the taxi fare to $1,50 from the $2 that has been charged ever since the new price of fuel was announced. We also need to feed our families and keep the vehicles fit to avoid road accidents. We are hoping for a better situation as time goes on.
Bulawayo City transit spokesperson Daniel Pondo said the new fares were not tallying with their expenses. Expriccos taxis chairperson Mr Mpikelelo Khumalo yesterday said most operators would be unable to keep vehicles in shape due to high operational costs.
More: Chronicle