Commuters fume over fare hikes

Zimbabwe commuters who are up in arms with commuter omnibus operators following unsanctioned fare increases by the operators have described the fare hikes as unfair and called on relevant authorities to restore sanity in the urban transport sector.

Commuters have expressed dissatisfaction with the behavior of commuter omnibus operators who are once again hiking their fares during peak hours.

A survey showed that commuter buses plying the Glen View, Mufakose and Machipisa routes are charging a dollar during peak hours, leaving commuters stranded.

Commuters who spoke to reportes said they have been betrayed and called upon relevant authorities to deal with the culprits.

However, the operators justified their actions blaming it on the heavy police presence along the city's roads whom they accuse of milking them.

The Ministry of Local Government, Rural and Urban Planning which is responsible for fare gazzeting is on record as saying any fare increase on local routes is illegal and operators should reduce their fares to fifty cents.