By Correspondent
Government has introduced new regulations limiting commuter omnibuse route permits to a 60km radius from the previous 120km.
The move is aimed at improving road safety according to a statement by Transport Minister Felix Mhona.
The new regularion are with effect from 3 September.
“A policy position has been taken to review the current radius-based restrictions for kombis on the issuance of route permits from 120 km to 60 km.
“This is one of the many robust policies, regulatory and administrative mechanisms being adopted to improve the country’s road safety regime.
“Thus, it implies that all 26-seater kombis and below, will be restricted to offer transport services within a radius of distances not exceeding 60 km.
The government has also mandated that all omnibuses be equipped with speed limiting gadgets.
“Further, the kombis are prohibited from operating without installation of speed Iimiting and monitoring devices.
“No person shall operate or drive on any road, a passenger public service vehicle registered in Zimbabwe unless both of the devices are fitted to the vehicle.”
Commuter Omnibuses have become the main form of transport after the spectacular failure of the Zupco parastatal.
Recent efforts to draft private transport players under the Zupco franchise have also been a huge failure.
Meanwhile, the absence of a dependable public transport system has resulted in unroadworthy vehicles and multiple accidents.
