Bus and combi operators are reportedly withdrawing their vehicles from the ZUPCO franchise scheme because the government is failing to adequately pay them, The Standard reports. This could cause a serious transport shortage as ZUPCO is overwhelmed by demand since the government is yet to allow private transporters to ferry people since the government imposed an indefinite lockdown in May.
This was revealed by the Greater Harare Association of Commuter Omnibus Operators secretary-general Ngonidzashe Katsvairo who revealed that the association had written to ZUPCO and the government about the prospect of increasing their fees but the government and ZUPCO did not respond to the letters:
We are engaging and negotiating with authorities regarding challenges at Zupco.These include late payments, late review of hire fees and how we can deal with the hyperinflation that is threatening to stop the wheels from turning.
