Zupco revival triggers turf war

Current efforts aimed at reviving the Zimbabwe United Passenger Company (ZUPCO) have triggered a turf war between the parastatal and kombi operators that have been dominating urban routes.

Zupco is now on a rebound inspired by government's efforts to cushion commuters from spiralling costs of transport

The Zupco revival means passengers can pay just $1 on a bus rather than the $3 being charged recently by mini-buses run by private operators known as kombis.

In recent years Zupco has run only a small number of buses, mainly on long-distance routes, having been displaced in urban areas by kombis.

But since January 21, the government has hastily augmented Zupco's much-depleted fleet.