Zupco purchasing new buses

Harare (New Ziana) –The Zimbabwe United Passenger Company (ZUPCO) is in the process of acquiring new buses to boost its fleet, which the Second Republic started rebuilding in 2019 as part of moves to provide an affordable and efficient public transport system for citizens.

ZUPCO chief executive officer Everisto Madangwa confirmed the development, although he could not state the exact date when the new buses would arrive in the country.

“There are plans along those lines but I do not have a date yet,” he said.

The public transporter last bought new buses in February this year when it brought in 115 which were commissioned by President Emmerson Mnangagwa the same month, making it the eighth such commissioning and bringing to 432 the number of new buses that it has added to its fleet in just over two years.

The Second Republic has committed to recapitalise ZUPCO to ensure it provides safe, reliable and affordable transport in both urban and rural areas.

When the rebuilding of ZUPCO began in 2019, the company had 76 buses.

The government took advantage of the COVID-19 outbreak to ban private commuter omnibuses as it moved to restore sanity in the transport sector, which had become characterised by lawlessness and overcharging.

It invited those operators still interested in the business to join the ZUPCO franchise and follow stipulated health and safety measures.

ZUPCO has also partnered the National Railways of Zimbabwe in 2021 to introduce commuter trains in Harare and Bulawayo as part of measures to ease transport challenges and provide an affordable service to residents.

New Ziana