The ManicaPost
Chenai Mutasa
ZIMBABWE should seriously consider moving towards adopting the Integrated Transport Management System (ITMS) in future as the country seeks lasting solutions to transport problems.
Consequently, the procurement of new buses for the Zimbabwe United Passenger Company (ZUPCO) is a step in the right direction and a commendable move by the Government, which will go a long way in addressing the transport challenges posed by omnibus operators who were out to milk hapless commuters.
Recently, President Emmerson Mnangagwa commissioned the initial batch of 25 buses, which the country already received, out of a total of 800, expected to boost the parastatal’s current fleet and give it a new lease of life.
The initial 25 buses that the country received have since started plying different routes across the country at subsidised fares ranging from RTGS $0.50 to $1 against a hefty minimum of $3 to $5 being charged by private transport operators.
The re-introduction of affordable ZUPCO buses in the nation’s public transport system augurs with earlier calls for Government to come up with non-monetary incentives for the worker.
The move would provide the much needed social safety nets in the wake of economic hardships that have impoverished many in the country.
Analysts have argued that the economic challenges facing the country are largely as a result ofcartels that now control various sectors of the economy.
For instance, the fuel industry, which in turn drives the transport industry, is one area reportedly dominated by cartels.
Given such foregoing, reviving previously run-down parastatals such as ZUPCO that have a potential to provide essential services to citizens should top the list of Government’s priorities.
Eventually, such parastatals should naturally assist the Government in breaking or neutralising existing monopolies in strategic sectors of the economy.
On the other hand, the parastatals would act as catalysts towards achieving the country’s set targets and goals across productive sectors of the economy.
The revamping of ZUPCO will usher in a better way of transporting citizens without relying on private players who are primarily bent on making huge profits, and at times at the expense of hard-pressed citizens.
It can be noted that developed countries such as the United Kingdom, United States, France and South Africa, among others, adopted the Integrated Transport Management Systema long time ago.
The System entails availing commuter trains, buses and train buses, among others,that ply dedicated routes in major cities.
An Integrated Transport Management System entails the integration of different modes of transport in order to increase efficiency in the transport sector of a given community.
The different modes of transport complement each another with the aim of increasing the economic benefits through measures such as advance ticketing and scheduling, amongst others.
For Zimbabwe, adopting the Integrated Transport Management System approach for the country’s public transport system would enhance measures that promote the effectiveness and efficiency of the country transport sector operations.
Meanwhile, short and long term benefits owing to the re-introduction of ZUPCO buses include the establishment of stable and justified fares as private players compete for a share of the market also.
Subsidising ZUPCO is cost effective for Government, other than subsidising the entire fuel industry as was the case previously, owing to forex exchange rate distortions caused by the parallel market.
Additionally, there is less traffic congestion owing to buses’ huge carrying capacity and dedicated routes and travel schedule.
Furthermore, the coming on board of the ZUPCO buses would enhance capacity, reliability and safety within the transport industry.
It can be observed that road carnage cases have continued on an upward trend in the wake of mushika-shika and other illegal transport operators.
The mushika-shika and illegal transport operators, in some if not most cases, do not have drivers and operator’s licenses or insurance.
Furthermore, illegal transport operators are notorious for overloading and high speed driving.
This has negativity affected passengers in the event of accidents as there is no guarantee of medical assistance or compensation.
However, the move to revamp ZUPCO should restore sanity in the public transport business.
