Commuter Omnibus Operators on some Harare routes have hiked prices exorbitantly for the third time in four months amid fuel shortages that have continued to shroud the country.
Fares from Westlea to the CBD have gone up further to $2.50 from $1.50, Mabvuku from $1.00 to $3.00 while Chitungwiza commuters are being charged $4.00 for one trip, a demise that has left struggling commuters in despair.
Fare hikes have also been worsened by the confusing currency conundrum where Government insists the Bond note should trade at parity with the US Dollar businesses yet businesses have created a three tyre system of billing their goods and services.
On the other hand Government also instructed banks to separate RTGS accounts and foreign currency accounts, which indirectly sends a message that the two are not equal.
Speaking in defence of the initial hike of fares president of the Motor Industry Employees Association, Simpliso Shamba said the hikes were justified by the demand for foreign currency by corresponding retailers.
“Spare parts are being sold in hard currency and fuel is also being sold on black market. High demand of goods has caused prices to increase, so businesses are looking at replacement value,” Shamba said.
The bus fare hikes and general increase in goods and services have affected the public enormously with no salary increases being initiated against these developments.
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