Replace unsafe Honda Fits with Kombis

Stakeholders within Zimbabwe's transport sector are advocating for the government to implement a budgetary support scheme aimed at encouraging small operators to exchange their unsafe, unregistered taxis - commonly known as mushikashika - for safer, regulated kombis. This proposal seeks to improve the safety of public transport while reducing the chaos caused by illegal taxi operations in the country.

The suggestion, which draws inspiration from South Africa's successful model of upgrading outdated Toyota Siyaya vehicles to Toyota Quantums, was presented by the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Transport and Infrastructural Development, chaired by Knowledge Kaitano. According to the plan, pirate taxi operators should be able to swap their old and unsafe Honda Fit and Sienta vehicles for safer Toyota Quantums in a structured and regulated manner. The difference in valuation between the vehicles would be financed as a loan.

The initiative is seen as a key step in eliminating illegal taxis, reducing traffic congestion, and improving pedestrian safety. Unregistered taxis in Zimbabwe have long been a source of disorder on the roads, frequently picking up and dropping off passengers at unauthorized locations, ignoring traffic laws, and contributing to chaotic road conditions.

Kaitano, who is also a Member of Parliament, emphasized that the government could remove older, unsafe vehicles from the road by offering an upgrade to Toyota Quantums. "For every four mushikashika vehicles, the government could offer a safer Toyota Quantum in exchange. This would not only improve safety but also encourage a more regulated transport sector," he said.

While the proposal has garnered support, it has also faced some pushback. Pirate taxi operators, who are accustomed to the higher profits generated by their older vehicles, expressed concerns over the financial feasibility of the swap arrangement. A mushikashika operator in Bulawayo explained, "I generate around US$30 daily from my Honda Fit, which means about US$120 for four vehicles. A kombi only generates about US$50-US$60 per day, so it's more profitable for me to keep operating my Honda Fits."

Operators also questioned the selection criteria for the swap and the timeframe for implementation, expressing doubts about the scheme's ability to address market gaps and financial challenges effectively.

Commuters, too, had mixed reactions. A commuter from Burnside praised the convenience of mushikashika taxis, especially in underserved areas. "Honda Fits provide door-to-door services for a small extra fee, which is very convenient for me since there are no kombis in my area," she said.

However, some industry leaders, like Mr. Mpikelelo Khumalo, chairman of Expriccos Taxis, have endorsed the proposal, calling it a vital step toward bringing order to the transport sector. "This is a noble and brilliant idea that came out of the Parliamentary Committee on Transport recommendations. It should be embraced by all unregistered operators. It will bring accountability to the industry, and once illegal operators are eradicated, we will have a regulated and fair transport system," said Khumalo.

Khumalo emphasized the importance of accountability and fairness, noting that once mushikashika operators are brought into the regulated fold, the entire sector would benefit, with operators paying taxes and levies like legal kombi drivers.

The Parliamentary Committee on Transport also raised concerns about the high compliance costs faced by small operators. To operate legally, a kombi requires approximately US$1,600 annually for permits, plus an additional US$3,800 for Vehicle Inspection Department (VID) certification. These high costs often make illegal operations more appealing to small operators. In response, the committee proposed the creation of an online "One-Stop Shop" for document applications, which would streamline processes between local authorities and the Road Motor Transportation Department (RMT), reducing the administrative burden on operators.

As the debate continues, the proposal remains a focal point for discussions about how to formalize and improve Zimbabwe's public transport system while ensuring the safety and efficiency of services for passengers.