By 
Coronavirus has not only brought tears to families who lost their beloved ones through the pandemic virus but apparently to the majority after it emerged that private transporters are charging an arm and a leg for their services.
The global crisis has technically put every activity on standstill.
Economies, both small and big are currently feeling the heat following the virus induced lockdowns.
Zimbabwe currently is on an indefinite lockdown pending an imminent review.
To minimise the spread of the virus, the government has restricted transport operators to the Zimbabwe United Passengers Company (ZUPCO).
ZUPCO is the only legalised sole provider of public transport currently.
Private operators only need to be registered under the government run company to render their services.
In a brutalised economy like Zimbabwe, breaking laws is the order of the day.
Private transport operators have already devised a plan to circumvent the ZUPCO route to access legalised operations.
Number plates are being removed to hide identity. Fake ZUPCO stickers are being created.
The confusion is endless.
In all these maniacs, travellers are the most affected.
Owners of private cars, kombis are now charging between $40 – $70 cash and in most cases USD$1 for local passengers.
Intercity travelers are charged between USD$5 – USD$15 depending on distance.
A premium of up to 40 percent to those paying with ecocash.
In separate interviews, passengers said they end up walking long distances to get into town because of unaffordability.
“We have to endure at least three hours of waiting everyday to access affordable transport. Sometimes it’s unbearable you end up committing to these private transport to get to work in time. You will have no option but to pay their exorbitant fares,” said a lady who preferred to be called Ms Theresa.
Another resident decried the transport problems.
“Here in waterfalls we only have one Zupco and it usually comes around 8 o’clock and most us should be at work already hence will just resort to this drastic fares and sometimes walk into town,” said Mr Bhami.
The Zimbabwe United passenger company Zupco buses, which were introduced in January last year to solve transport problems have in the past weeks “disappeared” from some routes they were servicing.
One of the private car owners noted they had to increase the fares because they were purchasing fuel in USd dollars since almost every fuel service station is now charging in US dollars.
“We end up charging these fares because fuel is now available in US dollars and will be also looking for money for parking. This situation is bad for everyone passengers should understand our situation too,” said Mr Mukomwe.
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