3-wheeled scooters take over streets

A new transport trend is rapidly transforming mobility in Norton, with three-wheeled scooters emerging as a popular alternative to commuter omnibuses and pirate taxis, commonly known as mushikashika.

For decades, urban commuters relied largely on kombis and informal taxis operating along fixed routes. While often overcrowded and unreliable, they remained the primary mode of transport for thousands of residents.

That dominance is now being challenged by a growing fleet of scooters offering cheaper fares, greater flexibility and door-to-door service.

The scooters have quickly gained a loyal customer base despite questions surrounding their licensing status and whether they are legally authorised to carry passengers.

Residents interviewed said the new transport option has eased the burden of rising transport costs.

Mercy Chihowa, a Norton resident, said scooters had become a welcome alternative after fare increases by mushikashika operators.

"They are a blessing to us after mushikashika operators increased fares, citing fuel price hikes," she said.

"We now pay US$0.50 from one location to another, compared to the US$1 charged by commuter omnibuses."

Another commuter, Tamuka Ndangana, highlighted the convenience and security offered by the service.

"Scooters drop us right at our homes. They are especially useful at night when cases of mugging increase in Norton," he said.

Scooter operators say demand has grown steadily as more commuters embrace the service.

One operator, Emmanuel Chopela, said the business had become highly profitable due to low operating costs and strong customer demand.

"Business is good," he said.

"We are making a lot of money compared to our expenses because commuters prefer us. We drop them at their doorsteps."

Chopela said he can earn as much as US$30 on a good day while spending only about US$5 on fuel.

He added that demand had increased further as scooter operators expanded into home delivery services.

Another operator, Maynard, said affordability was one of the sector's biggest advantages.

"Besides consuming very little fuel, scooters are cheap to maintain and service," he said.

The rise of scooters has, however, sparked concern among traditional transport operators, who argue that the vehicles may be operating outside the law.

Commuter omnibus operator Richmond Marufu called on authorities to intervene.

"Police should act swiftly to remove these scooters from the roads since they are not licensed to carry passengers," he said.

The concerns have attracted the attention of law enforcement authorities.

National police spokesperson Paul Nyathi said investigations would be conducted to determine whether the scooters are properly registered and authorised to transport passengers.

"We will check where they are operating to determine whether they are registered and licensed to carry passengers," he said.

"We do not want our roads to become a jungle."

Nyathi added that consultations with the Ministries of Transport and Local Government would be necessary to determine the appropriate regulatory response.

The emergence of scooters reflects changing commuter preferences and growing demand for affordable, convenient and flexible transport options in urban centres.

By offering fares as low as 50 cents and providing direct transport to passengers' homes, scooter operators have carved out a niche in a market long dominated by kombis and informal taxis.

Whether the sector ultimately becomes a permanent feature of Norton's transport system may depend on how regulators respond to concerns over licensing, safety and compliance.

For now, however, many residents appear to have embraced the innovation, signalling a shift in the town's transport dynamics and intensifying competition within the public transport sector.