leeroy mupariri
Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
Passengers Association of Zimbabwe (PAZ) has raised alarm over the escalating “route wars” among rival public transport operators saying the clashes were putting passengers’ safety at serious risk.
In a statement, PAZ national coordinator Mr Tafadzwa Goliati expressed concern over the growing incidents of intimidation, violence and coercion in the public transport sector.
“These route wars are creating a hostile and unsafe environment for passengers,” Mr Goliati said.
“The aggressive competition among operators is overshadowing the core principles of safety and customer satisfaction, which should be the bedrock of public transport.”
Reports indicate that rival operators were increasingly resorting to violence to dominate lucrative routes, with passengers often caught in the crossfire.
Some passengers have reported being forced to board specific vehicles or face harassment.
“No one should be compelled to board a vehicle against their will,” Mr Goliati said.
“Passengers have the fundamental right to choose their preferred operator. Any form of intimidation or coercion is unacceptable and must be condemned.”
The association has called on the Government and relevant authorities to take decisive action to regulate the public transport sector and prevent further incidents.
“We urge authorities to intervene swiftly to restore order and protect the rights of passengers,” Mr Goliati said.
“At the same time, we encourage passengers to report any cases of violence or intimidation to PAZ or law enforcement.”
As Zimbabwe’s public transport system grapples with these challenges, PAZ has urged all stakeholders to work collaboratively to build a safe, reliable and customer-focused network.
“The safety and well-being of passengers must come first. Let us prioritise this as we address these pressing issues,” Mr Goliati said.
The escalating tension among operators highlights the urgent need for reforms to ensure the public transport sector se
