Daylight Robbery in Transport Fares
Residents from Lupane to Hwange and Victoria Falls are raising their voices in concern over alarming transport fare hikes that many are calling daylight robbery. There are growing fears that bus attendants and companies may be taking advantage of passengers, leading to unjustifiable fare increases.
The common bus operators on routes from Victoria Falls to Bulawayo include C.A.G, Stallion Cruise, Extra City, and Rival. While the terrain is known for its challenges, which could potentially justify higher charges, the current rates appear unreasonable and disproportionate, leaving the community demanding answers and a revision of public transport fares.
For instance, here’s a breakdown of the alarming fare discrepancies:
- Bus to Bulawayo from Hwange:
- Cash: $10
- EcoCash (USD): $15
- ZIG EcoCash: $20 (based on a rate of $50 ZIG per $1 USD)
This raises serious questions: What kind of robbery is this?
Moreover, the fares for travel from Hwange to Harare have also seen unjust increases:
- One-way fare: $20
- Return fare: $25
- EcoCash USD and ZIG rates are similarly applied as mentioned above.
The disparity in pricing has led many residents to wonder if the fare hikes are a result of collusion among bus companies or simply a tactic to capitalize on the desperation of travelers. Passengers have reported feeling pressured to pay these inflated fares, with little recourse to dispute the charges.
Residents are calling for transparency and fairness in transport pricing, urging authorities to investigate these practices. Community leaders are advocating for a dialogue with bus operators to address these concerns and ensure that transport costs are reasonable and justifiable.
As the outcry grows, it’s clear that the community deserves clarity on these charges. Residents are demanding a thorough review of public transport fares to protect passengers from exploitative pricing and to foster a fair travel environment in Matabeleland North.
