Transport operators warned over illegal fare hikes

THE Zimbabwe Passengers' Association (ZPA) has warned public transport operators to desist from fleecing travellers by illegally hiking fares during the festive season.

Most public transport operators usually take advantage of the surge in the number of travellers during the Christmas and New Year holidays and hike fares, at times by as much as 100%.

ZPA secretary-general, Paul Makiwa yesterday said they had observed that some public transport operators plying both rural and urban routes had already increased fares, in anticipation of huge volumes of travellers during the festive season.

"It is the high time that we all join hands and fight the unjustified fare increases by the long-distance bus operators," he said.

Makiwa said all fare hikes should be approved by relevant government departments.

"There is no fuel increase, no distance increase, so we appeal to operators to stick to their normal fares and fare tables countrywide. Operators do you want us to call for the State to stamp a harsh 'operation fare restore legacy' on you,?" he asked.

Makiwa said touts and the heavy presence of police on the roads and exorbitant fines pushed bus fares up during public holidays.