Bus Operators Hike Fares

Bus Operators Hike Fares
Zimbabwe Guardian (London), 20 May 2008
Dyke Sithole
LONG distance bus and commuter omnibus operators have hiked fares for the third time in two weeks citing the current high prices of fuel.

The price of fuel went up from Z$2.5 billion to Z$3.5 billion over the weekend, prompting the operators to increase fares.

Buses plying the Bulawayo-Harare road have increased fares from Z$1.8 billion to Z$3 billion while local commuter operators have raised their fares from Z$100 million to Z$200 million.

Bus conductors who spoke to the Zimbabwe Guardian at Renkin Bus Terminus in Bulawayo attributed the latest fare increases to the rise in fuel prices on the black market where they are procuring the precious liquid.

Fuel is slowly disappearing from both the black and real market due to tight fuel import requirements announced by neighboring Botswana which is the country's major black market fuel supplier.

"Diesel is in short supply and whenever we get it, it's expensive so we have to pass on the cost to commuters if we are to remain in business. Some of us are, however spending a lot of time looking for fuel instead of being on the road," said a driver with a local business company.

Commuters and passengers who spoke to the Zimbabwe Guardian yesterday expressed concern over the high cost of travelling and commuting to and from work.

"My salary is Z$1 billion per month and I need Z$5 billion for me to come to work every month. In fact, I do not know the reason why I am going to work because I am subsidizing my company," said Mercy Mubako.

Another traveller, Joyce Mbereko urged the government to withdraw permits from those overcharging.