By Bulawayo Correspondent
BULAWAYO commuters are now shunning Zimbabwe United Passenger Company (ZUPCO) buses preferring illegal private kombis which are cheaper than those charged by the state-owned transport company.
ZUPCO, this week, hiked its fares by 100% citing soaring operational costs.
Bus fares were previously pegged at $30, but now cost $60 per trip while fares, which were previously pegged at $45 now cost $90 per trip.
Commuter omnibus fares which were previously pegged at $50 have been increased to $80 per trip.
Residents who spoke to New.Zimbabwe.com complained the new fares are beyond the reach of most workers already walloping in abject poverty.
“I have now resorted to boarding private kombis which are charging a fare of $50. I am also surprised that ZUPCO continues to increase its fares when the government is subsidising it as part of its social obligation,” one commuter, Brian Sunduza, said.