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Andile Tshuma, Chronicle Reporter 

EIGHTEEN commuter omnibuses have registered for the Zimbabwe United Passenger Company (Zupco) scheme to provide affordable transport to Bulawayo residents who are expected to fork out $2 per trip.

Some have already started plying urban routes although some operators remain reluctant to join the scheme citing differences over operating conditions. 

Under the scheme, commuter omnibuses will charge subsidised fares but will receive a lump sum payment from Zupco over a given period of time.

A total of 18 kombis registered on the first day yesterday and some started operating and Zupco is hopeful that going forward more will join the scheme.

Zupco divisional operations manager Mr Tineyi Rwasoka said a trip from the suburbs to the city centre will cost commuters $2. 

He said the bus company was struggling to convince the majority of operators to join the scheme as they seemed reluctant to accept the conditions that the bus company tabled.

“We have since registered 18 kombis and we expect them to start operating this evening (yesterday). However, we are struggling to engage more operators, especially those from associations as they are not happy with what we are offering,” said Mr Rwasoka.

He said the company was offering kombi operators ZWL$500 via bank transfers per day for 14 days pending review. 

Mr Rwasoka said Zupco would also provide 40 litres of diesel per day for the kombis. 

The bus company requires that each kombi provides two drivers and two conductors taking shifts, the former being paid by the transport operator while Zupco pays the latter.

Mr Rwasoka said some kombi owners were also unhappy about bearing the costs of paying drivers, servicing vehicles and spares replacements. 

 In a telephone interview from Harare on Monday, Zupco acting Chief Executive Officer Mr Evaristo Madangwa said all those who want to be part of the transport system are welcome as long as their vehicle papers are in order. 

 He said vehicle assessment will be done to ensure the safety of passengers.