The Passengers Association of Zimbabwe (PAZ) has urged the Police and municipalities to take action against touts (mahwindi) who intimidate, harass, and assault passengers at bus terminuses and ranks across the country.
These unruly elements are particularly prevalent at locations such as Simon Muzenda Bus Terminus, Mbare Musika, Mutare Rank, Mutoko Rank, and the Harare Exhibition Park (Showgrounds).
PAZ National Coordinator Tafadzwa Goliati has called on the Police to increase their presence at these hotspots and crack down on unlicensed operators and rogue elements. Said Goliati:
<blockquote>
This behaviour is unacceptable. Passengers are being bullied, manhandled, and subjected to verbal abuse by touts operating with impunity.
It is time for decisive action to protect travellers. The safety and dignity of passengers must be prioritised.
We demand the immediate arrest of these touts who are tarnishing the public transport sector. We also urge the police to work closely with municipalities to create a safer environment for passengers. Enough is enough.
</blockquote>
On Saturday, scores of passengers were harassed at Roadport in Harare, with some being forced off a Mutare-bound bus by touts.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

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The Passengers Association of Zimbabwe is angry at touts who are bothering and hurting passengers at bus stops. They want the Police to stop these touts from scaring people at places like Simon Muzenda Bus Terminus and others. The Association says that passengers are being mistreated and need protection. They want the touts to be arrested and for the Police to work with the local governments to make bus stops safer. Recently, passengers were harassed at Roadport in Harare and they want it to stop. The Association is demanding action to make sure passengers are safe and respected.

Passengers Association Calls For Crackdown On "Mahwindi"

The Passenger Association of Zimbabwe (PAZ) has urged the Government to protect travellers during holidays by enforcing regulated fare scales amid reports that some long-distance bus operators have doubled fares.
Zimbabwean public transporters are wont to hiking fares during the festive period thereby forcing people travelling to various destinations across the country, especially rural areas, to pay through the nose.
Reports suggest that there has been congestion at Mbare Bus Terminus in Harare since the 22nd of December as travellers seek transport to rural areas.
Investigations by <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200021391/transport-operators-fleece-travelling-public">NewsDay</a> established that both long-distance buses and local commuter omnibuses have hiked fares with a Harare-Mutare trip which usually costs US$10 now at US$20.
Those travelling from Harare to Bulawayo were also affected, with their bus fares having been increased from US$15 to between US$20 and US$30.
The trend was also observed for major routes across the country as bus operators took advantage of an increase in the number of travellers.
A bus driver plying the Harare-Masvingo route Clifford Dhlakama defended the fare hikes. He told NewsDay:
<blockquote>
Fuel prices have gone up again. We need to cover our costs; especially with the extra trips we’re running to meet the holiday demand.
Maintenance costs are also high. Spare parts are expensive, and with more passengers crammed, the wear and tear is even worse.
</blockquote>
However, PAZ president Tafadzwa Goliati said transport operators were taking advantage of desperate passengers who want to unite with families during holidays. Said Goliati:
<blockquote>
These claims of increased costs are often exaggerated. Operators take advantage of the festive season rush to maximise profits at the expense of ordinary Zimbabweans who just want to be with their families.
Commuters are not ATMs [Automated Teller Machines]. They shouldn’t be penalised for wanting to travel during the holidays.
</blockquote>
Bus fare hikes during holidays in Zimbabwe, especially Christmas and New Year, are almost inevitable and expected.
This, however, does not necessarily result in reduced travel but makes it difficult for people to pay for recurring expenses in the new year as a huge chunk of their earnings is gobbled up by transport costs.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Passengers' Association Makes Plea For Price Controls As Buses Hike Fares For Christmas Travel

The Zimbabwe Passenger Company (ZUPCO) at the weekend reduced inner-city fares in all trading currencies.
In Bulawayo, ZUPCO reduced fares from ZWL$300 to ZWL$250 and from R7 to R5.
Passengers Association of Zimbabwe (PAZ) president Tafadzwa Goliati commended ZUPCO for the move saying it will provide respite to commuters. He said:
<blockquote>
This is a good move which has been taken by the Government as it will help to reduce the burden being worsened by economic hardship.
</blockquote>
Goliati, however, urged ZUPCO to increase efficiency and deploy commuter omnibuses in areas where there is a shortage.
He added that having reliable ZUPCO buses will also ensure the safety of members of the public as they won’t be forced to resort to Mushikashika (pirate taxis) where they will be at risk of being robbed. | <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/zupco-reduces-fares-2/">Chronicle</a>

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