Harare residents have been urged to reject unjustified fare increases by commuter omnibus operators, amid the absence of a regulated fare structure for local public transport.
Passengers Association of Zimbabwe (PAZ) national coordinator Tafadzwa Goliati said workers and parents whose children travel to school daily are being unfairly burdened by frequent fare hikes, despite stable fuel and spare parts prices.
He said there were widespread fare discrepancies across the city, with passengers often charged different amounts for the same routes depending on the operator, time of day or even the weather, leaving commuters confused and vulnerable to exploitation. Said Goliati:
“For example, a kombi from Mabvuku to Tafara should cost $1, but during peak hours operators are charging $1.50. Warren Park fares are supposed to be $0.50, yet commuters are paying $1.
“In Machipisa, the fare has doubled from $0.50 to $1, Glen Norah from $1 to $1.50 and in Chitungwiza, peak-hour fares range between $1.50 and $2. If it rains, some operators add $0.50 to $1.50 on top of peak-hour fares.”
Goliati challenged claims from some commuter omnibus groups that the fare increases were necessary due to roadblocks and congestion, allegedly caused by touts and police operations.
He called on the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works to urgently introduce an official fare table for local transport.
Goliati also urged commuters to use alternative, affordable transport options where possible while authorities work to fix the gaps in urban public transport regulation.
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