ZUPCO reviews fares upwards

ZUPCO reviews fares upwards

Brian Rungano Temba

The Zimbabwe United Passenger Company (ZUPCO) has reviewed it’s fares upwards with effect from September 1, 2022.

The public passenger transporter which had of late been facing financial constrains has levelled up its fares with the informal Mushikashika fares.

ZUPCO buses which have been servicing inner city routes under 20km distances, have increased the fare from ZWL$ 140 to ZWL$ 300. This is USD $ 0.50 equivalent on interbank rate.

Meanwhile ZUPCO commuter omnibuses have upped their fares from ZWL$220 to ZWL400, which is equivalent to USD$0.75. Mushikashika (unregistered) omnibus operators have since been charging USD$ 1.00 for the same distances, leaving the ZUPCO service relatively cheaper.

For distances between 21km to 30km, ZUPCO buses will be charging ZWL$400 from ZWL$220 and USD$ 0.75 at interbank rate, while ZUPCO commuter omnibuses have increased their fees to ZWL$500 from ZWL260 for the same distances, which will be approximately USD $ 1.00 at interbank rate.

Passengers commuting for distances ranging between 31km to 40km on ZUPCO buses will part with USD$1.00 or ZWL$ 500.

The latest upward fare review follows a major exodus from the parastatal by private transport operators who have been complaining of low returns under the ZUPCO franchise.

Government has since released ZUPCO monopoly over public transport and allowed commuter omnibuses and private taxi operators to legalise their trade under registered transport unions and associations.