Harare Council to clampdown on public transport operators at undesignated ranks
Harare City Council has imposed strict measures to curb illegal passenger pick-up and drop-off points, citing a considerable increase in traffic congestion during peak hours.
In a statement, the Harare Town Clerk Engineer Phakamile Mabhena Moyo said unauthorized points along major streets have become a major contributor to the city’s traffic woes.
“There has been an increase in congestion levels on the streets of Harare especially during the morning and evening peak periods.
“Our observations have been that this is exacerbated by buses and commuter omnibuses that are picking up and dropping passengers at undesignated points. Some park on the streets and block lanes resulting in heavy congestion”, said Moyo
However, Moyo notified that all temporary ranks established during the COVID-19 pandemic are no longer operational, urging operators to return to their original routes, which include Market Square, Charge Office, Copacabana, S. Muzenda (4th Street), and Rezende North, for registered public transport operators only.
“To reduce congestion, the Council would like to advise public transport operators along Sam Nunjoma (Second Street) that with immediate effect, they must use Coventry Road Rank and Mbare Musika.
“All buses destined for Bulawayo that are illegally picking passengers from Showgrounds or along Samora Machel Avenue must use Mbare Musika and Coventry Road Bus Rank.
“The following are the major commuter omnibus termini that should be used by registered public transport operators; Market Square; Charge Office; Copacabana; S Muzenda (4th Street); Rezende North.
“All the picking up and dropping points that were established by ZUPCO during the COVID era are no longer operational. All registered and licenced operators and Commuter Omnibus Associations are being advised to revert to their original operating termini as per permits issued by the City of Harare”, added Moyo.
The CoH has called on residents and public transport operators to cooperate and ease the congestion in the city.
“Public passenger vehicles are expected to be registered by the relevant authorities that include the City of Harare and the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development. The permits issued are clear on the ranks, routes and timetables to be used.
“Given the above, the City of Harare wishes to inform residents, public transport operators and stakeholders that we have launched a massive enforcement operation to rid the city of congestion”. NewZimbabwe.com
