Rights group expresses discontent over ZUPCO fare hikes

Rights group has expressed its discontent over the recent 100 percent bus fare hike by Zimbabwe United Passenger Company saying it is a burden to the already suffering citizens

In a statement yesterday, National Consumer Rights Association Campaign and advocacy advisor Effie Ncube said ZUPCO should have consider another national Covid-19 lockdown which has been imposed.

“The increase in the Zupco fares will be a huge burden to people, who are already suffering.
“It mostly speaks to a deteriorating economic environment in which people are losing their jobs and at the same time prices of commodities are going up in supermarkets.

“Zupco price hikes will lead to people walking to and from work, and this is dangerous because they will be exposed to criminal elements,” said Ncube

Bulawayo Vendors and Traders Association director Michael Ndiweni also said many people will not afford the new fare hike due to the current economic hardships in the country.

“Many people would not afford the new fares due to economic hardships, private transport operators were also unscrupulous and were likely to overcharge,” said Ndiweni

However, ZUPCO spokesperson could not be reached for comment.

Meanwhile, the increase in ZUPCO fares last week came at a time that private transport operators have been calling for an end to the state-owned company’s monopoly.