Kombi Operators Blame Rank Barons For “Unjustified” Fare Hikes In Harare

Kombi operators have blamed touts and rank marshals for the sudden and “unjustified” increase in public transport fares in Harare and nearby dormitory towns, with prices rising from the standard US$1 to as much as US$2 on local routes.

The complaints come amid reports that kombi rank barons are collecting more than US$300,000 a week from over 3,000 registered transport operators at bus termini and ranks in Harare alone.

Operators say they are being exploited by aggressive touts who control both official and illegal ranks across the city.

At council-run ranks, kombi operators pay a daily US$2 fee to the local authority. However, they claim they are also being extorted by touts, who demand US$3 per trip when fares are set at US$1.

When fares are increased to US$1.50, the same touts allegedly demand between US$5 and US$6 per load as a so-called “commission”.

Meanwhile, the secretary-general of the Greater Harare Association of Commuter Operators (GHACO), Ngoni Katsvairo, has called for mandatory association membership for all kombi operators, saying this could help bring order to the sector. Said Katsvairo:

“We fine our operators who hike fares, but the truth is we have no control over fares in ranks because touts are in charge of ranks, yet we pay ranking fees to Council, which is not in control of ranks.”

“We have tried to enlist the assistance of authorities to no avail. Touts demand the equivalent of two or three passengers’ fares plus some extras they call money for book, money for tea – this means they have more interest in increasing fares so that their loading fee is also higher. For a US$1,50 fare, they demand US$3 or more at each trip.”

Frederick Maguramhinga, president of the Zimbabwe United Deregulated Commuter Operators (ZUDCO), accused rank marshals of unilaterally imposing fares. He said:

“The primary challenge is the influence of rank barons. Unfortunately, when we seek assistance from the police, they often target our drivers and conductors for touting rather than pursuing the actual perpetrators.

“We have identified the touts responsible for illegally imposing fares and would welcome the opportunity to collaborate with law enforcement to bring them to justice.”

Rogue police officers have also been blamed for the recent fare increases.

In Ruwa, operators say kombi fares have risen from US$1 to US$1.50, which most passengers end up paying as US$2 because of the lack of small change, largely due to police impounding vehicles.

When many kombis are seized, a shortage is created. Crews then respond by raising fares to cope with reduced numbers on the road.

There are also claims that some police officers own kombis that remain operating while others are impounded for various offences.

Operators further allege that crews are being forced to pay increasingly frequent “fees” to police officers to continue operating without harassment.

However, national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi urged commuter transport associations to report any officers involved in corrupt practices to the police’s national complaints desk. He said:

“We recognise that certain officers may fail to uphold their professional standards, and we invite the public to bring these instances to our attention.”

“However, we are aware that some associations employ touts who masquerade in uniforms.

“Regardless of who they work for, touting is a crime, and we shall apply the law across the board without favouritism.”

Harare City spokesperson Stanley Gama denied that rank marshals have taken control of bus terminuses from the council.

Gama urged commuter transport associations to formally report any issues to the police and to stop paying fees to rank barons. He said:

“We have asked associations to disown these people by not paying them money.

“If forced to pay, they are supposed to report the cases to the police, who are more than willing to react and arrest the culprits”.

More: The Herald