Buses introduced to ease Cowdray Park transport crisis

Residents of Cowdray Park in Bulawayo are set to benefit from a new bus service aimed at easing persistent transport challenges affecting the suburb.

The initiative, facilitated by Cowdray Park legislator Arthur Mujeyi, will see buses ferry commuters between the high-density suburb and the city's central business district.

Mujeyi said he engaged Inter Africa Bus Services and other operators, including Revival Coaches, to begin servicing the area, where residents have long struggled with limited public transport and rising commuter fares.

"The issue of transport has been one of the biggest challenges affecting residents," Mujeyi said.

"We have engaged the services of Inter Africa and other bus companies, including Revival Coaches, in an effort to help alleviate the transport crisis."

However, the main challenge remains securing a designated pick-up and drop-off point in the city centre. Mujeyi said he is currently engaging the Bulawayo City Council to resolve the issue.

Local councillors have welcomed the move, describing it as a timely response to long-standing concerns from residents.

Ward 15 councillor Ashton Mhlanga said commuter omnibus operators had increased fares by as much as 100% even before recent fuel price hikes, placing a heavy burden on residents.

Ward 28 councillor Ntando Ndlovu said the introduction of buses would increase competition in the transport sector and protect commuters from unfair pricing, while recognising that kombis remain an important part of the transport network.

"The goal is not to replace kombis, but to create a balanced system where buses and kombis complement each other," he said.

Ward 6 councillor Nkosinathi Hove Mpofu urged residents to make full use of the new buses, noting that increased usage could help reduce congestion and curb the operations of illegal taxis along 6th Avenue, where overcrowding has previously resulted in accidents.

He also highlighted that poor road conditions in parts of Cowdray Park have discouraged transport operators and said the local authority should prioritise improving infrastructure.

The bus service is expected to provide thousands of residents with a more affordable commuting option while contributing to a more balanced and efficient public transport system in Bulawayo.